Kerri Jeffrey

Kerri studied the BSc Nursing - Mental Health at Stirling and is now working in Australia as a Clinical Nurse within a secure mental health inpatient setting.

Stirling University gave me the opportunity to change my life direction

I left school with few qualifications and aspiration but I decided in my late 20's to study nursing. Growing up in a deprived area, where the social determinants of health were a first hand experience, shaped the kind of nurse I wanted to be.

I realised at the University of Stirling open day that this was the right university for me. It looked beyond grades and pass marks, recognising and valuing past life experience. 

I was extremely nervous and scared on my first day. I was worried about not fitting in, and not being "academic enough". However, I was quickly reassured and realised that I could achieve what I set out to achieve, with the help and support of both tutors and fellow students. The consistency and availability of my personal tutor when needed, eased any concerns or worries that I had throughout the three years. I met some amazing students along the way, who have become lifelong friends.

Wide range of placements

The BSc Nursing - Mental Health is a good blend of teaching and clinical skills work-shops. My knowledge and confidence grew rapidly, and I was able to put what I had learnt into practice on my placements.

The University offered me a variety of placements, working across all areas within mental health. They offered me the chance to practice in specialised areas within forensic areas, across health boards, where I discovered this was the area of nursing I wanted to practice in when I qualified.

The campus is a place of beauty and serenity

It provided the perfect environment to begin my mental health nursing journey. The leisure facilities are exceptional which I used regularly to ensure I looked after my own health and well-being.

My mental health nursing career so far

After graduating I worked to become a Band 6 Registered Mental Health Staff Nurse and was Deputy Team Leader for Mental Health within a secure forensic setting. My training was in a mix of settings including Scotland’s High Secure Psychiatric Hospital, HM Prisons, Community Addiction Services and Dementia Care.

I've now moved from Scotland to Australia, all thanks to my nursing degree and registration. I'm working as a Clinical Nurse within a secure mental health inpatient setting. We care for both low dependency and high dependency patients who experience a range of mental health conditions and difficulties. We deliver culturally appropriate care and treatment.

The opportunities in life thanks to Stirling University are endless, and I am loving every minute of the journey. Practicing with nurses from all over the world, I realise just how great my education and experience was. I have been told many times that my degree is top class and highly desirable when it comes to nursing recruitment.