“I love it. I cannot wait for my four children say my mummy is a Nurse!.”
Rachel McIlwaine’s dream to become a Nurse is becoming a reality thanks to the support of the South Eastern Trust.
The mum of four’s career journey began in 2018 when she joined the Trust in the Ulster Hospital as a Support Services Domestic. Now, seven years later, she is combining her role in the hospital wards with virtual learning as she studies for an Open University Nursing Degree.
Rachel never believed it would be possible to become a Nurse. “From volunteering at St John Ambulance years ago, I knew I loved caring for people, but I never thought I was good enough. Throughout my time working as a Domestic on the wards, the Nurses I worked alongside motivated and inspired me to go for it.”
Keen to take the next step, Rachel sought advice from her Operational Support Services Manager, Mark Clough. Mark said, “Once Rachel mentioned that she would like to progress to Nursing, we did everything in our power to push her through it and get her on to the course. We would encourage anyone to look into this programme if they have a desire to progress. We will do our utmost to support them throughout their own journey.”
This development pathway is open to all staff across the Trust, providing opportunities to study a wide variety of medical professions while remaining in their current roles.
Rachel’s Placement Supervisor and Deputy Outpatients Sister, Fatima Farah, praised her dedication and progress. “Rachel has been doing very well. She is picking things up very quickly and we are delighted to have her with us as part of her placement. I have no doubt she will make a fantastic Nurse in the future.”
Balancing family life with study and work is no easy task, but Rachel has found a rhythm that works for her. Rachel added, “The biggest benefit for me is how flexible it is. As it is an online, part-time course, I am able to make dinner for my kids, then sit down and study. It allows me to juggle my family commitments while carrying out my dream. My kids are getting to watch their mummy complete a degree. It is also beneficial financially as when I am out on placement, my domestic role still covers me.
“I would encourage anyone that is interested to go to University open days to find out more information about what is possible for them. Without doing that I would not be in the position I am today. I am able to be a Mum and a Student Nurse at the same time, I am so proud of what I have achieved”
