Taylor Quick

I’ve seen first hand the importance of compassionate, skilled care and the profound impact it can have on people’s lives. Over the years, I’ve been especially drawn to working with children. Their resilience and unique needs have always inspired me, and I’ve developed a strong passion for supporting their health and wellbeing.

A major influence in my decision to pursue nursing has been my sister. Watching her grow and excel in her nursing career has been nothing short of inspiring. Her dedication, empathy, and professionalism have shown me what it truly means to make a difference in people’s lives. Seeing the respect she earns and the fulfilment she gains from her work motivated me to follow a similar path.

Nursing feels like the perfect way to combine my lifelong experience in healthcare with my passion for working with children. I’m excited to deepen my knowledge, develop my clinical skills, and ultimately become a nurse who can advocate for, support, and care for young patients and their families with the same dedication I’ve admired in my sister.

I chose to study at Edge Hill because I fell in love with the campus the very first time I visited, even before I was thinking about university for myself. I came along with my sister when she was making her decision about where to study, and from the moment we arrived, I felt something special about the atmosphere. The campus was not only beautiful, but it also had a real sense of community and warmth that stood out to me.

So, when it came time for me to choose a university for myself, Edge Hill was at the top of my list. It already felt familiar and welcoming, almost like a second home. I knew it was the right environment for me to grow, learn, and begin my own journey in nursing.

My leadership skills have grown significantly. I’ve had the opportunity to take initiative, delegate tasks, and support junior students and colleagues. I’ve learned how to stay calm under pressure, make informed decisions, and communicate effectively to ensure high-quality, patient-centred care.

I’ve become much more self-aware and empathetic. This has helped me build trust and rapport with those in my care. Emotional intelligence has been vital in both academic and clinical settings. Working in nursing requires the ability to understand and manage your own emotions while also recognising and responding to the emotions of patients, families, and team members.

I’ve also become more confident in making clinical judgments, managing my workload, and taking responsibility for my learning and professional development. This has prepared me to transition smoothly into a registered nurse role where independent thinking and accountability are essential.

The most memorable moment of my degree so far has been the incredible opportunity to take part in an international placement in Tanzania. It was a truly life-changing experience that gave me a completely new perspective on healthcare and the difference we can make as nurses.

What made the experience so unforgettable was seeing the impact we had not just on individual patients, but on entire communities. From children to adults, we were able to support people who often had limited access to healthcare, and you could see how even small actions made a lasting difference. Knowing that we played a role in improving lives and helping people feel seen, cared for, and supported is something I’ll carry with me throughout my nursing career.

My favourite thing about my degree subject is without a doubt the children I get to care for. There’s something incredibly special about being part of their journey, from seeing them at their most vulnerable to watching them improve, regain their confidence, and eventually walk out of the ward with a smile on their face.

To me, the best thing about Edge Hill University is the supportive and welcoming environment. From the very beginning, I felt like I belonged here. The staff genuinely care about your progress and wellbeing, and there’s always someone to turn to if you need help, whether it’s academic support or just someone to talk to. Edge Hill has been particularly supportive when it during my diagnosis for my dyslexia.

The facilities are fantastic. There are realistic simulation suites that really help build confidence before going out on placement. But beyond the resources, it’s the sense of community that stands out. You’re not just a number, you are part of a university that wants to see you succeed, both professionally and personally.

When I graduate, I hope to begin my career in a critical care setting. Somewhere I can continue to grow and be challenged while making a real difference. I’m particularly interested in areas like women’s neonatal care, the burns unit at Alder Hey, or Alder Hey’s A&E department. I haven’t made a final decision yet, but I know I’m drawn to fast-paced environments where I can support some of the most vulnerable patients and their families.

My goal is to become an Advanced Nurse Practitioner within the next 10 years. I’m passionate about developing my clinical expertise, taking on greater responsibility, and continuing to deliver high-quality, compassionate care. I know it’s a challenging path, but I’m committed and excited to see where this journey takes me.

If you’re considering studying nursing at Edge Hill, my biggest piece of advice would be: go for it and give it your all. This course will challenge you, stretch you, and at times push you outside your comfort zone, but it will also shape you into a confident, capable, and compassionate nurse. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Nursing is a team effort — in university, in practice, and in your career. The people around you, both staff and students, will become a huge part of your support system.