Laura Omand

I choose to study at the University of Leeds as I actually started my nurse training at the School of Healthcare with a Diploma in Nursing in 2005. I really enjoyed my time so came back for the old top up degree, then Support for Learning in Practice and a PG diploma in Counselling. I get everything I need here – it’s a highly respected institution in the NHS and the facilities and support have been great. I don’t need to go anywhere else.

After I did the PGDip I was sent the details of the MSC Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) when I was a specialist oncology nurse and I knew I wanted to develop my skills at a masters level. Particularly critical thinking and my core knowledge around clinical practice and being able to personalise my study by choosing specialised modules, it was the perfect fit for me.

I think this course will help my role as the practical aspects of the course are really aligned to the day to day needs of practice, such as clinical skills examination, but the issues and concepts of why we do what we do, understanding the broader NHS strategy help you operate at a higher level. The other key element of the course is the access to networks of senior clinicians, you are surrounded by professionals and the interaction and opportunity for shared insight is excellent.

This course will help my career as I’m building my up knowledge base. I started in A&E, then plastic reconstructive surgery, private sector nursing, then trauma units and so ACP is the next level for me. In the future ACPs will be playing a major role in clinical practice, Leeds is in the vanguard of this and the NHS has identified it as a key position in the Trusts so I’m very excited to be part of it.

My favourite aspect of the course is the inspiring lecturers and the range of professionals studying, we have Nurses, Pharmacists, Physiotherapist, Paramedics, but ultimately it’s a senior role which still allows relationships with patients, the ACP allows nurses to stay clinical and climb the ladder.

Yes, I would recommend the Masters in Advanced Clinical Practice course, I absolutely love it here and I’d encourage others to come and study here too.