A HIGH achieving student, inspired by the care given to her dying grandfather, has realised her ambition to become a nurse.
Touched by the compassion shown by nurses who cared for her grandfather after he suffered a heart attack, Lisa Watson gave up her A level studies in English, law and media to enrol on a Heath and Social Care Course at Darlington College.
“I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do when I left school,” said Lisa, 19, who gained straight A grades at GCSE.
“I was more or less pushed into going to sixth form college to take my A Levels. After a year I knew that it wasn’t what I wanted so I applied for an apprenticeship in business and administration and began working in a call centre.”
Then in June 2012 Lisa’s grandfather, who had already had a stroke, suffered a major heart attack and was rushed to hospital.
“My granddad was in hospital for a week before he died,” said Lisa.
“I saw the way that the nurses looked after him and the way they cared for my family – they were so patient and compassionate.
“I knew then that’s what I wanted to do; to have a job where you could make a difference and something that people really appreciated.”
Lisa finished her apprenticeship in July and enrolled at Darlington College to study Health and Social Care.
“I loved the course straight away,” she said. “I could focus on one subject. There were lots of sub topics but it was a more balanced approach to learning, all tailored to a health route.
“The placements, where I learnt more practical skills, were linked to the college’s theory work and there was always great support from the tutors.”
Lisa completed her two year course gaining a triple distinction the equivalent to 2 A* A levels and will now study nursing at John Morris University, Liverpool.
“I couldn’t have wished for anything better,” said Lisa.
“Going on the college placements to nursery schools, dementia wards and adult activity centres really helped me to narrow down the area of nursing that I want to work in.
“I’ve chosen to specialise in geriatric care and hopefully I can give back to people what the nurses that inspired me gave to my family.”
Darlington college tutor Stephen Capper added: “Lisa has been an outstanding student.
“Gaining practical skills for a career in nursing are just as important as academic achievement and Lisa will now gain more experience in the field of nursing at university. I’d like to think that we contributed to getting her on the ladder of a career where I’m sure she will achieve.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.
