Otilia Czilek
Otilia Czilek is set to graduate from the University of Worcester with her second Nursing qualification in September.
Otilia came to the UK from Hungary, where she was a registered nurse, 23 years ago. However, her qualification was not recognised in the UK and so she spent 20 years working in a range of other health roles, including as a health care assistant and a phlebotomist, before deciding to gain a UK Nursing degree.
“Since I was a child, I wanted to work in healthcare, not only to assist in the cure of patients' existing illnesses and health problems, but to take part in public health education, health promotion and the prevention of these problems,” said Otilia. “However, the time was not right to re-do my qualification in the UK until 4 years ago.”
With a small child to care for, Otilia completed a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care, before joining the University of Worcester’s BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing course as a direct entry to the 2nd year in 2021.
“I was worried or nervous about studying for a degree not in my native language, as I was not sure if my English would be good enough,” she said.
But Otilia took on the challenge and as if that wasn’t enough, alongside her degree, she completed a research internship which gave her the opportunity to learn more about research processes and approaches and to build a research profile.
“The internship was really valuable,” Otilia said. “Research is so important for improving everyday life and I learned a lot. I would like to continue to research as part of my career going forwards.”
Otilia said she had many “wonderful memories” from her time at the University and from practice placements at a GP surgery and at a sexual health clinic. “I met some amazing, passionate nurses and true role models, and both placements gave me a direction to my future nursing carrier path,” she said.
She has now secured a job as a trainee General Practice Nurse, which means further study, for a Postgraduate Certificate in General Practice Nursing, and would then like to complete a Masters degree.
“I would like to specialise in women's health (sexual health, contraception, menopause),” she said.
The University’s annual autumn Graduation Ceremonies will take place as planned from September 12-14 in the beautiful and historic Worcester Cathedral followed by celebration receptions at the City Campus. No Worcester graduates have been affected by the marking and assessment boycott.
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