Peter continues the Appleton nursing tradition

Nursing is a family affair for Peter Appleton. His Aunt Lorraine and Uncle Bryan are nurses, as his younger brother Stephen. And Peter has continued the tradition, by graduating from the University of Teesside with an Advanced Diploma in Nursing Studies (Learning Disabilities). In addition to the Diploma, Peter also received the award of best student in practice.

Peter, 26, from Hemlington, Middlesbrough, now works as a Staff Nurse for the Tees and North-East Yorkshire NHS Trust’s Children’s Service. He first decided to aim for a nursing career at the age of 17, and took a post as a care assistant in a Middlesbrough nursing home.

Peter said: “I’d talked to my Aunt and Uncle, who are both mental health nurses, about their careers and it seemed really rewarding. I wanted to help make people’s lives better and have a positive influence.”

After working in the care home for four years, Peter moved to the Tees and North-East Yorkshire NHS Trust as a Nursing Assistant, in a unit for people with learning disabilities. The Trust then sponsored Peter to complete a Nursing Diploma at the University.

Peter said: “I had the practical experience and the diploma gave me the underlying theory I needed to work as a Staff Nurse, such as current research and government documentation. I had no problems returning to study after a gap, the tutors were brilliant, supportive and created the right learning atmosphere. I really enjoyed the different placements, particularly one with the children’s community team in Stockton.”

Peter’s younger brother Stephen, 23, is also a Learning Disabilities Nurse, based in Liverpool. Peter added: “My parents Peter and Jean are both proud of our work, they’ve supported us all the way. We’re both doing something we actually set out to do. Getting the best practice award was really nice, I didn’t see that coming!”

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