Amy Pile

 

BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing with NMC registration at BNU

Graduated 2023

Hi, I’m Amy. I studied BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing with NMC registration at BNU from September 2020 to September 2023. I’m now a Lecturer in Adult Nursing, supporting students who are beginning the same journey I once did. My time at BNU helped me grow a lot, both personally and professionally, and it’s nice to now be part of the team that helped shape me. I’m someone who cares about people, learning and creating a supportive environment, and I’m still learning every day.

 

What are your memories of being a student at BNU?

Honestly, what stands out most for me is the sense of opportunity. As a mature student, I assumed I wouldn’t be able to get involved in much, especially evening events or societies. But taking over the Nursing Society and becoming Chair for three years completely changed that. It gave me a real sense of purpose and made me feel part of the community in a way I didn’t expect.

I also really valued the opportunities that helped me build my development and portfolio. I was always thinking ahead to the future, so having things I could add to my CV and reflect on made a huge difference. And I made so many friends, not just from nursing, which was actually refreshing because it meant I didn’t have to talk about nursing all the time.

One thing I’ll never forget is how supportive my personal tutor was. I know not everyone gets that lucky, but I genuinely felt backed, encouraged, and understood throughout my degree.

What advice could you give to recent graduates who want to get ahead?

For me, networking has always been important, not in a formal way, but just by getting to know people and being open to opportunities. But honestly, the best thing you can do is be yourself. I naturally care a lot, and although that can feel like a lot to hold, it’s also one of my strengths. It helps me connect with people and stay true to the values that brought me into nursing.

I’ve always been resilient, probably because of things I learned growing up, and that resilience has carried me through every stage of my career. And it’s worth remembering that you won’t connect deeply with everyone, but being kind and authentic goes a long way.

How did your degree at BNU impact on your career?

Before I even came to BNU, I already had a background in health and social care, so I came in with experience but also a real desire to grow and push myself further. As I was finishing my degree, I became the Vice President of the Students’ Union because I wanted to give something back after all the support and opportunities I’d received. A year later, I stepped into the role of President.

Through those roles I got involved in so many areas of the university, committee boards, projects, developments, and student support. I built relationships, contributed to change, and found myself growing in confidence, knowledge and skills without even realising it at first.

All of that experience, combined with my health and social care background, really shaped the direction I took next. When I applied for a lecturer position in adult nursing, I genuinely believe it was the combination of my degree, my Students’ Union roles, and the support I’d been giving to students that stood out in the interview process. Those opportunities didn’t just prepare me for my career, they helped me see what I was capable of.

Why did you join the course?

I honestly never thought I would or could go to university. Growing up, I didn’t really know anyone in my circle who had been, and I always linked university with people who were extremely intelligent. I knew I was educated, but I didn’t believe I was “that kind” of educated. I left school before completing my GCSEs because of bullying, and for years I built myself back up through diplomas and apprenticeship-style routes where I worked while gaining qualifications.

It was the people around me who pushed me to consider nursing. When I was working as a healthcare assistant in a prison, a job I really enjoyed, everyone kept asking why I hadn’t done my nursing yet. And the truth is, from a young age I always knew I wanted to work in hospitals. I didn’t always know exactly what area, but nursing was something that kept coming back into my mind.

In the end, I joined the course because I realised it was something I’d wanted for a long time, even if I didn’t always believe I could do it.

What aspects of your studies did you enjoy the most and why?

There were so many placements I enjoyed, all but one, really. The ones I loved were the ones where I built real relationships. I had fun while learning, growing my skills, and expanding my knowledge. I got to know patients and build a rapport with them, and I genuinely felt in my element. I felt trusted, and every day was different, you never quite knew what was going to happen, which I loved.

My dissertation was another big part of my journey. At the time, I couldn’t wait for it to be over, it took me six months, and being dyslexic, I’d never done anything like that before. But looking back now, I’m so proud of what I produced. I put everything into it, and it showed me what I was capable of.

In terms of teaching, I definitely connected more with some sessions than others. I’m not great at sitting still for long periods just listening, so the active sessions were my favourite. I loved discussions about what it means to be a nurse, equality, rights, and hearing people’s different viewpoints and experiences. Those conversations really stayed with me.

Which parts of your student experience were the best preparation for your job?

Honestly, so many parts of my student experience helped prepare me for my job. Nursing really brings certain qualities to the surface, professionalism, knowing when to ask for help, building connections, and being transparent, honest, and open. Those skills became part of how I work every day.

I also think just understanding how the whole system works, the course structure, the expectations, the placements, the support available, all of that helped me massively when I moved into a lecturer role. I’d lived the experience myself, so I understood what students needed, what pressures they were under, and how to support them in a realistic way.

In a way, everything contributed. My Student Union opportunities, every placement, every assignment, every conversation, every challenge, it all built me into someone who could step into the role I’m in now with confidence and empathy. 

What are your major careers milestones since completing your studies?

Gaining a First Class Honours is still one of the biggest achievements of my life. I put absolutely everything into my three‑year nursing course, and now it feels completely worth it. Even now, more than two years later, I still catch myself thinking, wow… how did I do that?

Another huge milestone for me has been becoming a lecturer. I know there’s still so much to learn and so many ways to grow, but I’m proud of the journey so far and I’ll always give my best.

I’m also incredibly proud of the awards I’ve received during my five years at BNU. Being recognised at the Student Nursing Times Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs was a moment I’ll never forget. Receiving Honorary Life Membership from the Students’ Union was another completely overwhelming surprise, both moments left me shocked, grateful, and very aware that I need to work on my speech‑giving skills.

And finally, being Chair of the Nursing Society for three years is something I look back on with real pride. It was a role that shaped me, challenged me, and helped me grow into the person and professional I am today.

What are your future ambitions?

I want to keep growing as a lecturer. Learning and developing every day is really important to me, and I’d love to publish work in the future. Progression feels like a natural part of the journey, so becoming a senior lecturer one day is something I’d like to work towards, while also continuing my own education. I’m currently enrolled on the PGCAP, and once I’ve completed that, I’d love to move on to a master’s.

I’ve also recently become a personal tutor, and I want to keep learning from my students’ feedback so I can adapt, develop and give them the best support possible. Building more confidence is another ambition of mine, people often tell me I look confident, which is lovely to hear, but inside I can feel very nervous. I’d like to manage that better over time.

I also want to stay connected to practice maintaining my clinical skills and take on or support projects that make a real difference, both for students and for BNU as a whole.

What advice would you give to a student considering the course or looking to get into a career in your sector?

Communication is key. Whether it’s with patients, colleagues, lecturers, or your peers, being open, honest and willing to ask questions will take you a long way. I’d also say: get involved in every opportunity you can. The more you put into the experience, the more you’ll get out of it.

Make the most of the Students’ Union, in my opinion, it’s the best in the UK. It offers support, community, development and so many chances to grow personally and professionally.

I also want to be completely honest: university is hard. You really do have to put everything you have into it. You are the person in control of your own learning and development, and the effort you put in will shape the experience you have. Placements are also very real, they show you the true side of nursing, the good days and the challenging ones. But they’re where you learn the most, where things start to click, and where you realise why you chose this career.

The College of Health and Society is full of passionate, knowledgeable, highly trained individuals who genuinely want to support you. You’re surrounded by people who care, who will challenge you, and who will help you grow into the nurse you want to become.

If you’re considering nursing or a career in health, go for it. It’s demanding, but it’s meaningful, and you’ll never stop learning. I think BNU can offer the best support.