Nursing in the Navy

We have been delighted to write about the successes of our Upper Sixth pupils as they look towards the next stage of their lives.  This week we are thrilled to tell you about Abbie, who is taking the next part of her educational journey in a slightly different way.  She has just been accepted into the Royal Navy, through which she will be completing a degree in Nursing.

Originally, Abbie was looking to study law, however as she started to complete her UCAS application with this in mind, it soon became clear to her that this wasn’t where her passion lay.  After talking it through with her parents, and with support from Mr Carr, Abbie decided upon a change of direction and, inspired by her family who are already involved in the nursing profession, started to look at the various opportunities this would give her.  Initially, Abbie thought of specific training in midwifery but soon realised that by doing a more general nursing degree, this may open up different avenues that she may decide to pursue once she has experienced them.  As Abbie’s father is in the Navy, she also thought about joining the service herself and expanding her opportunities by looking at completing her healthcare degree within the military.  By chance, as she was researching ways of pursuing her ambition, she came across an advert for nursing within the Royal Navy.  She met with them and soon was receiving some excellent coaching and advice directly from a serving Petty Officer ready for the succession of tests and interviews that lay ahead. 

Abbie successfully passed her initial selection interview, where she had to demonstrate that she had the right attitude and aptitude for life within the military and, in particular, within military healthcare.  Following this success there then came a series of fitness tests and medicals before being called to the Selection Board.  This was the most gruelling aspect of the process. Abbie says, “for this part I had to prepare a presentation about the role of nursing within the Navy.  I chose to talk about how de-briefing following traumatic events or stressful and intense situations is so important within both roles.  I also had to research into both the current roles of nursing within the service and the types of environment I might find myself working in.  I was tested on my naval knowledge as well as my motivation for joining; what things I have done in my life that shows perseverance and resilience.”  There was then a nervous wait to hear the outcome and Abbie was thrilled to hear she had passed, achieving full marks at interview!

Abbie went on to say how the opportunities that have been afforded to her during her time at Plymouth College have gone a long way to helping her develop some of her qualities such as perseverance and resilience; things the navy are looking for in future recruits.  She says, “to be able to take part in the Ten Tors challenge was really beneficial to me as it was the perfect way to show how I had developed perseverance.  Also, being captain of the 1st Netball team has given me valuable leadership experience.”

Abbie is now looking forward to her naval career, starting in September where she undergoes 10 weeks of basic training at HMS Raleigh, followed by three years at Birmingham City University where she will complete her nursing degree.  Following this, she has ambitions to apply for a commission to become a naval officer.  We are sure that she will go on to exhibit the drive she has already shown in pursuing her next steps!