Irfan Jina is an alumnus of BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing, graduating in 2021. He now works as a Research Nurse for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. In this blog, he reflects on how his course helped him to get where he is today. 

Course: BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you’ve been doing since you graduated?

I studied BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing and graduated in July 2021. Originally, I studied a media degree and worked in marketing for a year before landing a job in research at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. I developed a keen passion for clinical research and helping people when observing the research nurses caring for people on the wards. This inspired me to embark on a complete career change and pursue nursing. Since graduating I’ve worked in primary care and now, I’ve returned to the Trust.

Tell us a bit more about your current role and why it’s amazing?

Currently I’m a Research Nurse in Haematology Clinical Trials at the Leeds Clinical Research Facility, St. James’s University Hospital. I believe research is at the cutting-edge of the NHS which makes my role very exciting. My varied responsibilities include caring for people recruited to a broad range of multi-centre clinical trials including phase I trials. This is very interesting as it usually involves testing experimental treatments for the first time. I also find the experience of nursing people living with blood cancer extremely rewarding as I really enjoy helping to improve their quality of life by empowering them to make healthy lifestyle choices. 

In my role I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have been part of many amazing experiences and opportunities. I’ve administered numerous novel anti-cancer treatments and participated in the Leeds Summer Extravaganza, helping to raise over £1,000 for Cure Leukaemia. I’ve travelled to Barcelona to attend an international investigator’s meeting and won an award in relation to infection prevention and control at the LTHT Research and Innovation Conference this year!

How did your course at Leeds Beckett help you get to where you are today? 

Studying at Leeds Beckett introduced me to an assortment of placement experiences. My placement at a local GP and the uplifting feedback I received from a particular patient inspired me to follow the community pathway in my final year and kickstart my nursing career in primary care. 

After graduating, my experience helped me get a role as a GPN as part of a 12-month vocational training scheme for newly qualified nurses. This role allowed me to work with a diverse patient population across Leeds, whilst completing training and several short courses before eventually deciding to specialise and move to an acute hospital.

What support or opportunities did you receive at Leeds Beckett that have helped shaped your career? 

I received immense support and opportunities at Leeds Beckett to help me progress personally and professionally as an individual. The student services provided access to a wealth of academic skills and advice via the Skills for Learning workshops. This motivated me to become more of an effective learner and gave me confidence to fully engage in my course materials. 

The one-to-one support and group workshops were tremendously helpful with assignment writing and exam preparation. I learnt how to conduct literature searches, critically appraise journal articles and use reflective models to reflect on evidence-based practice which I feel are valuable skills for every healthcare professional.

Can you tell us about a project, piece of work or experience from university that you’re proud of? 

I’m most proud of being shortlisted for the Nursing Times Student Nurse of the Year Award and attending an incredible ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Being a student nurse during the year of the pandemic was a unique yet challenging experience. Therefore, being shortlisted was a brilliant way to receive formal recognition for all the hard work and dedication I had shown during such a difficult time.

What would you say to someone considering studying your course?

Although it will require a great deal of dedication and hard work, it will be worthwhile in the end. And believe me when I say that it is the nicest feeling ever once you achieve it. Never lose sight of your motivations for wanting to become a nurse as I truly feel being able to have a positive impact on people’s lives is the best job in the world!

What’s next for you?

I hope to return to Leeds Beckett in the future and study a PhD as I’d like the opportunity to independently undertake original research and write a thesis suitable for publication. I’ve also developed a desire to teach and would like to be involved in some ad hoc teaching and OSCE examinations to support the next generation of student nurses.