Millie Powell, BNurs 2015 | Band 5 Staff Nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care,St Michael's

Millie graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing Honours degree in 2015, and is currently working as a Staff Nurse at the Regional Neonatal Intensive Care unit at St Michael's in Bristol.

Can you tell us more about your current role?

My current role is a band 5 staff nurse, however I am now becoming a specialised neonatal intensive care nurse. This requires me to take on more responsibility, such as caring for extremely sick premature babies (23/24 week gestation to term babies) or sick surgical babies. We care for a range of different cases from all over the South West. 

What do you love the most about your job and what is the biggest challenge?

I love the challenges that are posed within the unit. Everyday is different. You have a huge amount of responsibility caring for an extremely sick child whilst also working with incredible families. There are always new learning opportunities with a range of different conditions always arriving. I am particularly fond of caring for extreme preterm infants and seeing them grow and develop into strong babies over the months they stay with us in NICU. 

How did your degree help prepare you for your career? What subjects/ modules/ experiences did you find the most valuable?

I found my degree very useful. I enjoyed the challenges posed with the first year. I was always sure that I would be a paediatric nurse however working in mental health and adult nursing I developed skills that I constantly use today. I may work with babies but I also have to communicate with their families who may have mental health issues or be unwell. All my placements were incredible! My paediatric modules were the most useful to me, such as surgical conditions. I still continue to study my notes when I see a baby with a condition I haven't cared for before. My studies have helped me also with my current post graduate degree. 

What attracted you to studying at Birmingham?

I was attracted to Birmingham due to the beautiful campus and renowned nursing degree. There was also the potential to do an elective placement, I chose Sri Lanka, it was one the most incredible experiences, I would highly recommend it! I was also thrilled that there was an incredible children's hospital that I had the potential to work in. On my open days and interview day, I felt welcomed and comfortable. 

How would you sum up your time in Birmingham in three words?

Fun, challenging, useful 

What inspired you most during your time at Birmingham? For example, guest speakers, lecturers, research, friendships, extra-curricular activities.

I managed to complete a four week elective placement in Sri Lanka at the end of my second year. It was not only educational but so much fun. Learning to nurse in a different culture helped develop my skills and confidence. On top of that during the weekend we would travel the country. I loved living with my friends throughout the three years, they were all studying different subjects which was a welcome relief after a hard day on placement, I didn't want to always talk about work so having different friendship groups helped when you wanted to unwind. The social life at university of Birmingham is incredible, new students should throw themselves into it and enjoy! 

What tips/ advice would you give to people who are considering studying your course at Birmingham? 

I would advise to work hard but have a good balance with a social life. The course is difficult and placements will be challenging on top of that, however students should jump at every opportunity they have. If they struggle at any point they should ask for help, there is no shame in that. But most of all enjoy the life at Birmingham, it's a great university and city. 

How would you advise people to make the most of their time on their course? 

I would say that they should get help when required, go to student services or their tutor. Take any opportunity for example the elective. And whilst on placement put yourself forward and push yourself. The teams really appelreciate any help given but they understand learning opportunities. I was regularly in triage during my a and e placement but if ever there was an emergency coming in to be treated I was always the first one to step forward and ask, I saw some incredible treatment and team work. I still see the influence that has had on my practice today, I'm a confident and calm nurse.