This is a guest blog by current student Daniel Fry, studying BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing.

My journey into nursing started 15 years ago when I felt continually unfulfilled, with no job satisfaction, when working at a bank.  I noted a job advertisement for a role within a trauma department and felt excited about the prospect of working there and applied for the job. Little did I know that this change in my life would be one of the most significant and rewarding things that I have ever done despite the physical hard work and emotional challenges. During my healthcare assistant career at my local Trust I received a lot of support and encouragement to expand my clinical and theoretical knowledge by completing in-house courses including NVQs and BTEC qualifications. I was offered the opportunity of completing a bridging course within my local trust which, if successfully passed, would gain an interview for me at Bournemouth University (BU) with a view to starting an undergraduate nursing degree. BU would have been my first choice even if I had not completed the bridging course, due to knowing and working with many past BU students.

I joined BU in September 2017, when the changes to the student nurse bursary were made. The change in funding for NHS degree courses did not affect my passion to chase my dream of becoming a nurse. BU has been a great experience for me; not only has it helped me to grow in academic skills, it has helped me to hone my nursing skills and practice my new-found skills under controlled settings. The best part for me has been the ability to give back to the university and other students that are going through the same process by being a student rep, a peer assisted learner (PAL leader) and my role as a student ambassador helping with student nurse interview days.

To be a nurse is an honour, I feel a sense of pride in knowing that I am working as part of a bigger team to help and support all individuals through some very significant health events in their life that are emotional and traumatic. Nursing is not just about the tasks that are completed like taking blood, catheterising, medications and dressings; it is also about having the ability to build a therapeutic relationship with individuals and to be their voice and advocate for them. BU has helped me to achieve my dream of becoming a nurse.

**New for 2020: All nursing students on courses from September 2020 may be eligible for non-repayable government funding of at least £5,000 a year. Further details on who can access the support will be available in early 2020. Find out more information about the funding in the gov.uk website.**