Nicholas Drinkwater
Nicholas left school with no qualifications, but built up a successful business in which he was happy. However, as his wife became progressively ill, he had more contact with health professionals; this led him to rethink his career. Nicholas thought seriously about becoming a nurse and after discussing this with his wife, she gave him her wholehearted support.
After completing an 18-month Access to Nursing course he enrolled on a three-year Registered Nurse Diploma in Higher Education programme with the University of Wolverhampton to study Adult Nursing.
Studying at his wife’s bedside in the local hospital where he was spending 12-15 hours a day, he completed his assignments whilst sitting in intensive care, achieving high grades for all of them but – sadly – during this time, Nicholas’s wife died.
However, determined to fulfil his promise to his wife and himself to become a nurse. He completed the programme, gaining high marks together with the admiration of his peers, academic staff and mentors in his practice placements with whom he worked.
Nicholas said, “Once I qualified it was an extremely emotional time for myself, my family and friends. I couldn’t think of a better career. Learning has made me become a knowledgeable, skilled and competent nurse, to give high-quality care every time, making the patient feel comfortable.”
“I feel lucky I have chosen a profession that is so caring and one that makes me feel so proud… I know my wife would have been so proud of me for finishing the course.”
