Liz Charalambous explains why she continues to study

摘要

Having been a nurse for 30 years, while studying for a degree through the Open University, I am now studying for an MSc and have my sights set firmly on a doctorate. The reason I continue to study is simple: I want to be the best nurse I can possibly be. I want information to help the patients in my care and I aspire to deliver it through change. My ward manager encouraged me to apply to my trust's Learning through Education fund. I am lucky in that I work for a visionary leader who role models good practice and encourages others to aspire to excellence. As a result of the course, the changes in myself (see box) are reflected in my practice. I now see nursing through a political, socio-economic and cultural lens. I reflect on incidents and, instead of blaming myself for shortcomings in our service, I search for solutions to problems. For example, chiropody - once the mainstay of good older people's care - is no longer available in hospitals, so nurses now provide this service.