5 MINUTE Q & A WITH FAYE CULSHAW & MR HICKS

“When a person decides to become a nurse, they make the most important decision of their lives. They choose to dedicate themselves to the care of others.” Margaret Harvey

When did you leave Archbishop Beck Catholic College?

I left Archbishop Beck Catholic College in March 2020 during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. When we first went into lockdown everyone thought it was only for a few weeks but we never went back!

What have you been doing since that time?

I started my university journey in September 2020 to study Children’s Nursing. I applied for an Excellence Scholarship which I was awarded in recognition of my voluntary work at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. I was later awarded a High Achievers Scholarship as a result of my exceptional sixth form grades.

The majority of my first year of university was online due to Covid restrictions, apart from training and clinical placements. I gained a job as a healthcare assistant in my second year which allowed me to work across a range of settings to develop my knowledge and skills, working alongside qualified nurses. During my third and final year, I suffered a sudden parental bereavement but I was determined to finish my degree. This year I completed my degree and was awarded a first-class bachelor of science with honours, and I have recently started my new job as a Staff Nurse at a local hospital.

What are your memories of your time at the college?

I joined Archbishop Beck in sixth form after completing my GCSEs. I can remember the teachers being very welcoming. With the amazing support from the staff, I overcame some challenges and later received the Diana Award to become an anti-bullying ambassador for the College.

I was given amazing opportunities during my time in Archbishop Beck Catholic College, being a part of the annual Christmas shows as a dancer is one of many. My career ambition was always appreciated and I was able to complete multiple work experiences, including one within the NHS. I was also involved in a visit from professionals within the NHS which was both educational and enlightening.

After my time at Archbishop Beck was cut short, I completed a British Sign Language (BSL) course online as I had started learning BSL at sixth form before we went into lockdown.

When you were younger, what did you want to be?

I always had a passion for caring for others and would often dress up as a nurse but when I was a child, I changed my mind on a weekly basis. Once I told my mum that I wanted to be a tooth fairy! Fortunately, she persuaded me not to as I would have no money, only a bag of rotten teeth.

What does a typical day look like for you?

No two days are the same, I work long shifts which include days, nights and weekends three days each week. My job involves caring for patients before and post-surgery. Some of my duties include administering medication, changing dressings, documenting tasks, discharging patients, liaising with other professionals and communicating with children and their families.

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

My advice to my teenage self or any student is always be yourself and never compare yourself to others. You have a big impact on people around you. Sometimes life is difficult but look back at how far you have come and remember you can do it! You may need to step out of your comfort zone but the reward is often bigger than the anxiety. So, remember to take any opportunity given to you either at Archbishop Beck or outside of school.

What do you hope to achieve in the next 5 years?

As a newly qualified children’s nurse, I continue to develop my knowledge and skills. I am particularly interested in supporting and educating others and I know there are a variety of roles that would allow me to achieve this in the future.

Thank you Faye, we are all so proud of you and the career you have chosen. We send very best wishes to you in the years ahead.

A Nurse’s Prayer

Give me strength and wisdom,
When others need my touch;
A soothing word to speak to them,
Their hearts yearn for so much.
Give me joy and laughter,
To lift a weary soul;
Pour in me compassion,
To make the broken whole.
Give me gentle, healing hands,
For those left in my care;
A blessing to those who need me. Amen