Graduate Gemma talks about her student experience.
"I am in my second year of studying mental health nursing. My route to nursing began when I was at college and working in elderly care.
My interest in caring developed when I was helping those suffering from dementia, and I also had a strong interest in psychology at college, learning how the mind works and how it can affect our behaviour.
Mental health has always had a predominant part in my life owing to personal experience and interest, so I decided to study it to widen my knowledge.
The highlight of studying mental health nursing is the opportunities to experience various placements.
I have so far had three placements. I have worked with the Psychiatric Liaison team at Derriford Hospital, Greenfields Recovery Unit for Women, and CAMHS Neurodevelopment Team working with children aged 5 to 12.
By going on a number of placements, it allows you to understand how different services work and how they offer help to different people in need of care and treatment.
The ²ÝùÊÓƵ offers a wide range of placement areas that can help broaden your choice of jobs if you are unsure what area to work in, as mental health offers a wide variety of employments.
The city itself offers great social activities both on and off campus and is an all-round friendly city.
The ²ÝùÊÓƵ has helped me gain the confidence I need in order to pursue my ambitions as a nurse."