"I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do once I got my A-level results," said Robert Hounsome.

For his A-levels, Robert had studied maths, further maths and physics at Palmers College but after volunteering at our Trust he went from wanting to study engineering to nursing.

“After some volunteer work at Queen’s Hospital I instantly knew I wanted to work with people. I wanted to make a difference to people’s lives but I didn’t want to be a doctor.”

Robert now works at Queen’s Hospital as a junior charge nurse in our  Cancer and Clinical division.

“I didn’t want to be stuck in an office and becoming a nurse was the best decision I made. Nursing has evolved, there is great career progression and it is a lot more than washing patients! There’s a lot more science involved.”

To become a nurse, you usually need around five GCSEs plus two A-levels or equivalent, and there are other routes into nursing such as apprenticeships. Students can speak to a careers advisor for more information.

To encourage students receiving their A-level results next week to consider a career in nursing, we’re holding an open evening on Wednesday 27 September for students aged 16 to 18 to visit the hospital and get a taste of life as a nurse. Mature students with an interest in nursing are also welcome to come along.

The event will take place in the Education Centre at Queen’s Hospital, Romford, from 5pm until 7pm.

Students will get the chance to talk to our Chief Nurse, Kathryn Halford, as well as other senior nursing and midwifery staff. In addition, they’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the different departments our hospitals have and what they do.

Pictured above is Robert at work.