Mary Morris

 

A popular nurse at Tenbury Surgery is graduating from the University of Worcester with a Master’s degree, 30 years after entering the profession.

Mary Morris

Mary Morris, a familiar face at the town’s GP surgery, spent many years mentoring students from the University, before deciding to join them in the classroom.

“I have been mentoring pre-registration student nurses on their placements for many years and felt somewhat at an academic disadvantage to them as they would all be graduating with a degree, which was something that wasn't the norm when I trained in the late 1980s,” she said.

Mary first joined the University as a student in 2012, graduating in 2016 with a BSc (Hons) in Health Sciences.

“As my learning progressed and my role at work developed from Practice Nurse to Nurse Practitioner whilst studying for the BSc, I began to realise that I could further develop my knowledge and skills by undertaking the MSc Advancing Practice (Advanced Clinical Practice) degree,” said the 52-year-old. “I was lucky enough to have my tuition fees funded by NHS Health Education West Midlands, however they require that the degree is completed within 3 years which is a huge commitment when working full-time.” 

Mary said choosing to study at the University of Worcester was an obvious choice.

“It has such a high reputation nationally for the quality of its healthcare courses,” she said. “The lecturers are all really knowledgeable about their subject areas and are approachable and supportive so that helps with the academic side of things. The University of Worcester has such a lovely, welcoming feel to it - I don't think I ever came across any staff member who was less than polite and helpful - and I don't just mean academic staff. Meeting caring, compassionate colleagues on the course was also a highlight - I've made some really good friends as a result.” 

Since completing the Master’s Mary has been promoted to the position of Advanced Nurse Practitioner.

“As well as my employers and colleagues, my patients have been so supportive throughout my studies - I've been fortunate to be able work at the same GP practice for a very long time so a lot of people in the town and surrounding area know me very well,” she said.

“I'm now enjoying a break from studying but I haven't ruled out returning to the University to undertake a PhD or DHSc at some point. The future is always unknown to us but I hope that I'll continue to take up opportunities and challenges as they arise, whether they be personal or professional.”