DCG Success Stories

In her job as an NHS infection prevention and control nurse, Lauren Breeson regularly teaches other clinical staff.

And to formalise this aspect of her senior nursing role, she recently took the Award in Education and Training Level 3 course at Derby College Group.

Lauren, who is based at the Nottingham CityCare Partnership, previously worked in infection control in the private sector and before that as an NHS intensive care nurse.

She said: “When you specialise in a clinical area as I did, teaching and training other nurses is part of what you do as you progress. It is quite unusual though for nurses to go on to do formal teaching qualifications as such.

“I enjoyed doing my AET course at the Roundhouse. It was hard work – I’m a single mum and work full-time – but I’ve taken a post graduate course in the past while nursing so I knew what to expect.

“I enjoyed learning the theory of teaching and how to tailor your teaching methods  to meet people’s individual learning needs and styles.

“Our tutors were really nice. They had a relaxed approach but we still got our work done. With studying to do on top of my busy job and two young children to look after, I really appreciated their support. I did a fair few of my assessments at bedtime!”

Lauren enjoys the variety offered by her nursing role but, if she took time out to teach, would like to go into teaching healthcare assistants.

She added: “It’s good to have options within nursing. I like my job as every day is different. It’s quite dynamic; you have to adapt all the time which keeps it interesting.”