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ON THE JOB : STUDENT NURSE SENIOR AIRCRAFTSMAN
JOHNSON
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I ’ m currently in my second year at Birmingham City University ( BCU ) studying my Adult Nursing degree with the RAF . I originally joined the RAF with ambition to be a part of arguably the most skilled nursing team in the UK . Whether it be Aeromedical Evacuation , Infection Prevention and Control , or Primary Healthcare , there is something for every aspiring nurse .
My role as a student nurse stands very differently to my civilian counterparts – for starters , the course is fully funded with a competitive salary . This means the external pressures of holding a part time job are eradicated , as I can devote my full time and concentration to my studies . In addition to this , our military roots are instilled throughout the year through the likes of weekly physical training sessions , adventure training , and attending multiple events which run throughout the year ( such as the Princess Mary ’ s Royal Air Force Annual Symposium ).
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The BCU course is structured in ‘ university ’ and ‘ placement ’ blocks , in which you will complete two clinical placements in each academic year . This is an amazing experience to practice skills and apply your knowledge taught throughout the lectures . For extra consolidation , the university also holds amazing training facilities such as SPACE ( Skills Practice and |
Care Enhancement ), which mimics a mock ward holding all equipment and support needed to trial your learning .
BCU also has a wide variety of sports and societies available to join . This is a great way to try something new and make friends outside of your nursing course . In my first year , I had a few lessons with the BCU Polo club – and I haven ’ t fallen off the horse just yet !
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Outside of my studies and clinical work , the RAF also provide amazing social opportunities . This year , myself and other students formed a team for the Medics 5-a-side football based at RAF Brize Norton , competing against other camps for the trophy . Despite not having an aptitude for the sport , it was still a brilliant weekend full of laughter ! |
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