The Magna Carer inspired to become a Nurse

Posted on Tuesday 20th December

Care worker Chantelle Hopkins is realising a long-held ambition to become a nurse after enrolling at Bournemouth University. The 28 year old has just started her degree in adult nursing, having been inspired to further her skills by colleagues at The Magna Care Centre.

Chantelle switched careers from beauty therapy in 2012 to become a Care Assistant and was promoted to Senior Care Assistant in 2015, a role which involved her in administering medication and running a resident unit.

She is now combining her studies with occasional shifts at the Magna Care Centre, which provides residential and specialist nursing care for up to 63 elderly residents.

Determined to do even more for those in her care, Chantelle embarked on improving her existing qualifications with an access to nursing course, an undertaking that took almost two years. She says: “Everyone told me ‘You’d be a terrific nurse’, and I’ve finally done it. I had so much support from friends and managers at Magna – it’s like a family and we all support each other.

“There’s only so much you can do as a carer, but with a nursing degree I am not limited in what I can do for residents. I started in September and I’m loving it. As well as the main lectures, we have extra learning days such as a dementia day. I hope to specialise in end of life and palliative care.”

Deputy Home Manager, Kayleigh Frulli comments: “We are very proud of Chantelle and delighted that she is still able to do some care shifts with us. It’s fantastic to hear her enthusiasm for what she’s learning. I’m so glad we persuaded her to act on her dreams.”