Nursing student inspired by her own experiences in hospital gets chance to follow her calling at Kingston University through Clearing

A Kingston University student secured a place on an adult nursing degree through Clearing after being inspired by how caring nurses were during a stay in hospital. 

Darcie Boon, from Leatherhead in Surrey, had initially chosen to study biology at another university, but after her first year decided the subject was not quite right for her. Instead, she decided to follow her heart and work towards a career in nursing, after witnessing first-hand the impact nurses can have on patients.

Exploring her options, Darice was drawn to Kingston University after learning about the reputation of its nursing provision and the fact it was within easy travelling distance of her home.

"I did consider a year out but I'm so glad I decided to phone Kingston University's  Clearing hotline," she said. "The experience was incredibly reassuring and the process of having an interview and then being offered a place was so smooth. I've really enjoyed the first year of my course and am confident I made the right decision to come and study here."

Darcie has suffered with a number of chronic health conditions and she believes that these first-hand experiences were an important part of her choosing to pursue a nursing degree. "I can relate to people in hospital as I have been through a lot of the same situations that they are in," she said. "I was told for ages that I couldn't be a nurse because of my health and that I wouldn't be able to handle it but, despite the physical challenges, I have now completed the first year."

As well as having the opportunity to get to know students from a diverse range of backgrounds, one of the most positive aspects of the course for Darcie so far has been its practical nature, from the opportunities for work placements in hospitals to the sector-leading simulation suites available on campus. "The chance to learn on the job and really put into practice what we learn in the classroom straight away has been really rewarding," she said.

Darcie advised students looking at their options around applying to university this year to do their research and find a course to apply to through Clearing that felt like a good fit for them. "The step up from school to university is obviously a big one," she said. "My main piece of advice would just to be prepared and make sure you really pursue the right course for you."

Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing Clare Grey praised Darcie's achievements. "Darcie's success this year is proof that students who join the course through Clearing can really thrive at Kingston," she said. "I would urge anyone who wants to study Adult Nursing to ring the hotline on A-level results day and find out more."

• Find out more about studying Adult Nursing BSc (Hons) at Kingston University
• Kingston University's Clearing hotline is open Monday to Friday from 9am until 5pm until the start of term, excluding Bank Holiday on Monday 28 August.
• Potential students should call 0800 0483 334 (or +44 20 8328 1149 from outside the UK) to speak to the University's friendly hotline operators.  
• Calls are free from landlines and mobiles in the UK. International call costs may vary, and callers should check with their network provider.