Sharon’s a Nursing success

Sharon Williamson had little time for relaxation after completing her studies at the University of Teesside, as she finished her three-year course on Friday and started work as a Staff Nurse in Hartlepool General Hospital’s Mental Health ward on the following Monday. Sharon, 23, from Thursby Grove, Hartlepool, is the first in her family to graduate from University, and will receive her Advanced Diploma in Nursing Studies (Mental Health) at Middlesbrough Town Hall on 23 November.

Caring is a tradition in the Williamson family, as Sharon’s mother Brenda works in the Charlotte Grange Nursing home in Hartlepool. Proud parents Brenda and Ken will be in the audience for Sharon’s graduation.

Former Manor Comprehensive pupil Sharon said: “I’ve always wanted to be a nurse. I chose to work in the field of mental health as I enjoy working with people. My new job is really enjoyable and interesting, there’s variety with something different every day and new challenges.”

Sharon came to Teesside after completing a pre-nursing course and a BTEC in Health Studies at Hartlepool College of Further Education. She was in the first cohort of students on the Advanced Diploma in Nursing Studies (Mental Health). Sharon said: “There was a real collective spirit on the course, we all stuck together and the lecturers were helpful. The combination of placements in local hospitals, including Hartlepool General Hospital, with academic theory has been invaluable for my new post. We completed 18 months of general nurse training, before specialising in mental health.”

It wasn’t all work and no play for Sharon, as she was a regular visitor to the University’s Student Union. “I want to develop and progress in my work, and perhaps top-up my diploma to degree level”, added Sharon.

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