Pupils get hands-on experience at nursing summer school

Budding nurses have been learning new skills and finding out more about the profession at a nursing summer school.

A group of 16-18 year olds spent a week at the course at Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen.

The free tuition covered adult, paediatric and mental health nursing, and focused on techniques such as effective hand washing and taking blood pressure.

Observing practice

Pupils honed their new-found skills at the university’s clinical skills centre, and observed nurses at work in real clinical and theatre settings.

The teenagers also met with A&E nurses and those caring for older people to encourage them to consider which specialism may be right for them.

RGU adult nursing lecturer Jane Muir said previous summer school attendees had gone on to enrol on nursing courses at the university.

‘Nursing is a challenging and rewarding profession; the summer school highlights that because it gives pupils the chance to consider if it is something they can see themselves doing,’ she added.

‘We were very impressed with the pupils this year and hope to see many of them back to the university.’

Enjoyable experience

Summer school pupil Abbie Trevis said she enjoyed learning about the different roles nurses can perform.

‘The experience has given me a completely new perspective on the job,' she said.

'I’m interested in pursuing a nursing career but am keeping my options open for which area to focus on.'