Kate is proud to have three Derby graduations under her belt

Kate’s nursing journey has been shaped by the University of Derby from the very beginning, and with three major qualifications under her belt – she’s not done yet.

From Student Nurse to Experienced Practitioner

Kate began her career when Nursing courses at Derby first launched. From 2003 to 2006, she studied for the Advanced Diploma in Nursing Studies, qualifying as a registered Nurse. Over the next several years, she built her expertise in primary care, working in community hospitals, minor injury units, and later spending five years as a Community Staff Nurse.

Progressing into Leadership

In 2013, ready to take the her next step, Kate returned to Derby to study the BSc (Hons) Specialist Practitioner (District Nursing). This qualification opened the door to leadership, enabling her to progress into a managerial role as a District Nursing Sister, leading a team for five years.

Reflecting on this period, Kate says:

“I wanted to do the District Nursing course to become a District Nurse Sister and lead a team of community nurses. I have always been passionate about primary care, and this enabled me to help care for vulnerable people.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

After years of hands-on practice, Kate felt drawn to education. In 2019, she completed the PG Cert Interprofessional Practice (IPPE) at Derby, which qualified her to teach. She then joined the University as a Clinical Educator, returning to the very place where her career began.

“My IPPE course helped me learn about teaching, but every day is a school day – in nursing and in teaching you never stop learning!”

Why Derby?

For Kate, Derby has always been the natural choice. It’s her local university, allowing her to balance studies with her role as an instructor with the Derbyshire Army Cadet Force. More importantly, it has given her the academic and professional opportunities to achieve her career ambitions.

Whilst working as a Clinical Educator Kate has particularly enjoyed facilitating sessions in our Clinical Skills Suite, enabling students to practice skills in a safe and nurturing environment under our supervision. Another highlight for Kate is visiting students in practice and bumping into previous students who are now working as Nurses or Nursing Associates!

Looking Ahead

One of Kate’s standout moments was sitting on the stage at graduation, celebrating her own achievements while also feeling proud of all the students walking across the stage ready to pursue their own Nursing careers. 

Kate’s own journey isn’t over. With her young family in mind, she is already considering her next academic milestone – a PhD – which could see her celebrating a fourth Derby graduation in the future. Her advice to anyone considering studying at the University of Derby is simple:

“Do it!”