Nursing stories: A day in the life of an Open University nursing student and sexual health practitioner

Who is James?

James is a mature third-year adult nursing student at the Open University. He is also a sexual health practitioner, husband, and dad. He currently works in a sexual health clinic in Edinburgh, while studying online to gain his nursing degree. 

Why nursing?

James tells us that a career in nursing was always on his radar. When he was at school, James did a placement in a care home as a chef. “I found myself drawn to residents, hearing stories about their lives. […] The team that worked there were amazing too.” The matron even asked James if he would like a full-time job! 

After working in the care home James gained skills and experience across Scotland:

• an HNC in counselling
• worked in a rehab ward in Shetland as a clinical support worker 
• worked as a clinical support worker for people with mental health conditions in Aberdeen
• moved back to Edinburgh, worked night shifts as a clinical support worker for people with severe dementia
• got a joint sociology and psychology degree from Edinburgh Napier University while working as a clinical support worker

It was at this time that James applied for a job at a sexual health clinic in Edinburgh.

James told us, “The job in Chalmers allowed me to look after my 2 children.” Within 6 months James had been promoted to a sexual health practitioner.

It was at the clinic that James noticed the advert for studying nursing at the Open University. After speaking to the senior nurse, he decided to take the opportunity.

“Up until that point, nursing was on the back burner for me. Having 2 further children, I felt a nursing degree wasn’t achievable with my family commitments. The Open University gave me an opportunity unlike any traditional university”. 

Why James chose the Open University

To enrol as a nursing student with the Open University you must already be employed by NHSScotland on a full or part-time basis. This is one of the reasons that James chose to apply. He knew he already had the knowledge of how the NHS worked.

He was attracted to the course for lots of reasons:

• The course is fully funded by the Scottish Government and is free to the student and their employer.
• Study leave is granted to write essays and prepare for assessments.
• When a student is on placement, their workplace will cover their post.
• The Open University has always had a remote model. It has the systems in place to deliver an excellent student experience.
• As all classes are online, students can balance their studies around work and home life.

The biggest attraction to James is the streamlined approach that the Open University offers.  James explains, “We get assigned a tutor and a group of people who we work with throughout our time at the university. The tutors are great at answering questions. […] We can access the online library, study rooms and tutors at any time. I feel so supported in my studies.”

A typical day

James says, there’s no typical day for a nursing student. When working at the clinic in Edinburgh, James starts his shift at 8am. After getting his kids up and on their way to school he starts his own commute. During this time, James fits in some morning reading on the bus.

Once at work, James runs a drop-in clinic in the morning to engage with sexual health services. This includes testing for STI’s, talking about risk strategies, consent, and medication to prevent illness. In the afternoon James and his team focus on outreach. They go to bars, cafés, and other public spaces to test people and talk about sexual health.

After his 12-hour shift, James heads home from work in time to put his kids to bed. Then, he does some studying and plans his essays and assessments.

James’ practice placements are scheduled in blocks of 6, 7 and 8 weeks. James says, “The 8-week practice placement takes place at your current work place.” Other placements take place in a variety of settings. They can range from ward-based practice in hospitals to working in the community. James feels that this equips him to be a better nurse as he already has a wealth of skills and knowledge from his experience in the NHS. 

Future plans

“Graduate!” is James’ immediate plan. He explains that after that, he has a few routes he is considering. Reflecting on past placements, he says that his eyes have been opened to ward-based practice, but he also has an interest in progressing to a staff nurse role at the clinic where he currently works. 

He ends by saying, “Going down the Open University path has opened so many doors for me, and it could do the same for you.”

James’ words of advice for anyone wanting to study nursing at the Open University

When asked about his advice for others thinking about the Open University route, James says, “Do it! There can be reservations about finding enough study time, but you will manage. You already have the knowledge about the NHS and an understanding of the system. You are already embedded in the NHS.”