Joanne Feeley

I have been studying on a BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult Health) degree since September 2021 with the University of Plymouth. During this time, I have overcome many personal challenges combined with the hard and dedicated work of completing a degree and fulfilling placement hours to comply with the Nursing & Midwifery Council. I am extremely proud to say that I have successfully completed my BSc and only have outstanding hours left to complete to gain my degree.

During this time, I have worked in stressful and challenging environments, in which I;

• Monitored patient conditions, continuously assessing vitals to ensure ongoing quality care.
• Built positive rapport with patients from various backgrounds.
• Dealt with emergencies with calm and composure.
• Maintained compassion, competence and professionalism in accordance with the NMC code.

I have decided to take a break from my placement hours to enable me to work for a few months.

I started my career as a commercial fisherwoman in May 2017, and worked on a stern trawler. I remained on this boat for a year, and went on to work on a small whelking and potting boat. In September 2020, I undertook an access course which allowed me to apply for University. However, I remained working at sea during my study to allow me to remain current and keep my skills I have gained. During the years of my fishing career, I have worked on stern trawlers including twin and triple riggers, whelking & potting boats and netting boats.

I feel I have learned a varied skillset and gained insight into a career at sea as well as gain mandatory knowledge required to operate a commercial fishing vessel. These include;

• Measured catches to determine compliance with legal size.
• Preserved and stored fish using ice and salt.
• Used hoisting equipment to haul in fishing gear.
• Operated fishing vessels skilfully in and around fishing grounds.
• Maintained fishing gear and onboard equipment for optimum catch.
• Performed safe navigation watched to keep boat to planned course.
• Maintained up-to-date understanding of fishing laws and regulations for complete compliance.
• Sorted, packed and stored fish to maintain freshness for sale.
• Operated machinery carefully and communicated clearly to ensure safety of fellow fishermen.
• Prepared, maintained and repaired fishing nets and other gear.

After leaving school in 2010, I started an apprenticeship to complete an NVQ Level 3 in Dental Nursing. After successfully completing my NVQ in 2012, I moved to South Devon from the West Midlands at 18 years old. During my 5 years as a qualified dental nurse, I worked for various companies including NHS and private dentists. I undertook opportunities to work in orthodontics, endodontics and implants as well as general dentistry.

Within this profession, I gained skills including team working, as well working individually to maintain a professional and efficient work environment, cross-infection control, patient safety, confidentiality and complied with all regulations to uphold my General Dental Council registration, in which I continuously attended courses to remain current.

My job role included;

• Assisted dentists by passing instruments, suctioning intraoral fluids and mixing materials for casts or impressions.
• Assisted in clinical procedures, including examinations, fillings and extractions.
• Sterilised dental tools and instruments between patients, maintaining impeccable hygiene standards.
• Greeted patients and helped with completing intake and consent forms.
• Carried out varied chairside support procedures while keeping patients calm and comfortable.
• Provided excellent patient care from arrival to treatment completion.
• Correctly prepared relevant dental instruments and equipment for accurate, timely treatment procedures.