Name:
Lauren Harrigan.
Where are you from?
Muff, Co. Donegal.
Course studied at NWRC?
BTEC in Health Studies (Health Science pathway).
Previous Education before you came to NWRC?
Studied my Leaving Cert in Moville Community College.
Why did you choose to study at NWRC?
After doing my Leaving Cert I did not receive enough points to get onto a midwifery course through the south system. I was then recommended this course by a friend who was in her second year of the course. She recommended it as it was a great stepping stone from secondary education to third-level education and would boost my points and also practical experience required for the midwifery course. I attended an open day in August for the course and from meeting both Karen Moore and Annemarie Hunter, I instantly felt relaxed and knew they were both going to guide me along my path. Karen Moore trained as both a nurse and a midwife and was a fountain of knowledge, and a great source of information for my personal statement for UCAS.
Tell me about your course.
The course was both academic with 2 practical weeks in your chosen area, midwifery. I was able to complete one week in the community and a week’s placement in the hospital environment. In school, we never did assignment writing or referencing. Completing the course, helped me once I started university as I knew how to effectively assignment write, and reference.
Did you take part in any work-based learning as part of your course?
The course involved 2 weeks of work placement to allow you to effectively experience a snapshot of the career you planned to go into and also greatly benefited your personal statement, as work experience was greatly sought after in your application. I did one week in the community, shadowing the community midwives and learning about their role. My second week was in the hospital working in the antenatal, postnatal, and labour ward environment.
What did you do after?
I applied to 5 universities during my time at NWRC. I got 3 interviews. one in Queens, Belfast and another in England, University of Bedfordshire. Once I got my interview in England, I was initially going to decline, as I was a big home bird and did not want to leave. After a long discussion with Karen Moore, I went for my interview and passed and got a place in the university. Again, I was going to decline as I did not want to leave home. Karen was a great support in helping me go away to university in England, and how it would greatly enhance me as a midwife in years to come, which it has, and I am so thankful for. Even through the 3 years in England, Karen was always at the end of an email to always help and link in with, no matter what.
Would you recommend this course to other students?
I would 100% recommend NWRC in general prior to your next step in life especially if you are unsure of what you want. This course was recommended to me, and I would also recommend it to others.
