Degree of success for career change

AFTER a serious motorcycle accident a Warrington man was so impressed by the work of nursing staff that he decided to train and join the profession.
Allan Ralston, 56, (pictured) made the life-changing decision to swap his career in the construction industry for one in nursing after the accident in 2000.
He said: “During my recovery period in hospital, I had the opportunity to see the work being carried out on a first-hand basis and it inspired me.
“I was unable to work for nine months and it gave me time to reassess my life and think about the future. Nursing is something I have always been interested in. My mum trained as a nurse, so it has always been at the back of my mind.”
After graduating with a DipHE in Nursing in 2004, Allan decided to complete the BSc in Professional Practice, while working as a Staff Nurse in the Colorectal Surgical Ward for the Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
He received a First Class Honours from the University of Chester and will graduate at a ceremony at Chester Cathedral today (Thursday) Being a mature student has advantages because of “life skills”, he believes.
Allan said: “Nursing is a profession you never go home and forget about. There are times when you finish a shift and you know that you have changed someone’s life.”
He was previously a project manager for a large construction firm and believes the skills gained, such as the ability to relate to people, are useful in his new career.
“The course was very flexible, with a lot of home-based work which made it more family friendly,” he said. “The tutors were very supportive; their interest and enthusiasm was inspiring.”