Mature student Jane Whalley, of Hundleton, has been awarded a first class Bachelor of Nursing degree at Swansea University.

After moving down from London in 2003, Jane never even thought of becoming a nurse. But, after working as a PA to the medical director and divisional planning manager at Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust and doing some bank shifts on an adult acute unit in Ceredigion, Jane couldn't think of doing anything else but her nurse training in mental health. 

Jane, who chose to study at Swansea University's Carmarthen campus based at St. David's Park, said: "I thoroughly enjoyed myself; I couldn't believe the changes from the old St. David's building to the lovely training facilities we have now."

Jane was faced with some challenges during her course; she had bereavement in the first year, her husband changed jobs and they moved house in the second year to a completely new county two days after her exams!

She continued: "It was quite stressful at times. Sadly at the end of my third year my tutor, Brian Duberley, also passed away, and I attribute my success to him and his colleagues."

She added: "I'd like to thank all the tutors and support staff for making my training so enjoyable. It was well worth it."

Jane particularly enjoyed her placements, she said: "I thoroughly enjoyed all my placements, they were excellent,  and they opened my eyes to both adult and elderly nursing and how mental health nursing is needed, as one in four people suffer with a mental illness.

"I completed my management on St. Non's elderly ward where everyone was fantastic. I consolidated my skills, learnt and experienced a lot. Everyone was really supportive."

As Jane looks back on her time at Swansea University she reminisces and believes her highlight to be "meeting my entire cohort and making some really good friends, who have become my work colleagues."

Jane is very proud of her first class honours degree, saying: "To be honest I am still in shock!"

Jane now works as a permanent staff nurse on the St. Caradog Adult Assessment Unit in Haverfordwest and aims to continue her studies. She has already applied for the MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice at Swansea University.