How Abraham Salaki Took the Leap From Support Worker to Mental Health Nurse
With a degree being necessary to become a Registered Nurse, many time-strapped people feel that achieving the qualifications required, both before and at university, isn’t achievable for them.
But is that really the case?
Abraham Salaki, a recent graduate of our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing), tells us why he chose to embark on a career as a Mental Health Nurse and how the diploma helped him get there.
Firstly, congratulations on achieving your Access to HE Diploma (Nursing)! What made you choose an Access to Higher Education Diploma at learndirect?
I had applied for Mental Health Nursing at a University and was told I needed an Access course or Foundation course (since my first degree was not in sciences) to qualify. So, I went about searching for various Access courses online and I discovered that, out of what came up, learndirect's tuition fee and payment arrangement would be the best option for me. So, I had to apply!
Why was studying online, rather than in person, the best option for you?
Studying online was the best option for me because I work and can only study at night. If I did it face to face, it would have been too difficult to keep up with classes and work during the day. So online meant I could spend at least 2 hours reading every night when I got back home, and I was able to sleep and wake up in time for work the next day.
What are your plans now that you’ve achieved your Access to HE Diploma (Nursing)?
Now that I have completed my course, I will apply to go to Uni and begin my Mental Health Nursing career, a career I love so much.
If you were to study again, would you study with learndirect?
I would study with learndirect over and over again!
What made you choose nursing? Is this something you have always wanted to do?
I chose to begin a career in Mental Health Nursing because I derive so much fulfilment, as a Mental Health Support Worker, when engaging with patients and making them feel better. I developed an interest to take it further and become a Nurse so that I could keep giving them the best of me. Service to humanity is the best work of life, in my view.
How do you feel being part of a female-dominated industry? Is it something you notice?
I really do not see nursing as a female industry. I see nursing as a career for everyone who is interested. Being part of the industry will make me feel happy.
What advice would you give to other aspiring male Nurses who may feel nervous about beginning their career?
My piece of advice to other men who are aspiring to become Nurses is be determined to go through the hurdles and make the dream a reality. It is both fulfilling and rewarding. Thank you so much for having me on the course.
Begin Your Journey to Becoming a Nurse with learndirect
This International Men’s Day, we want to show that more men are breaking down the social stigma of working in female-dominated roles, and are pursuing careers they are passionate about.
If you have been inspired to become a Nurse, no matter your gender, then look no further.
Visit our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) page and read more about what the course entails or, if you would prefer to speak to one of our experts in all things nursing, call 01202 006 464 or contact them online.
