From Fixing Radios to Saving Lives: Bristol Nurse Graduates at 64 After Changing Careers
By Education Correspondent
When John Adesoye joined Southmead Hospital as a healthcare assistant in 2014, becoming a registered nurse seemed a long way off.
Twelve years later, the 64-year-old has graduated with a BSc (Hons) Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship and has started work as a registered nurse at the hospital, following a career that has taken him from repairing electronic equipment to caring for patients.
John collected his degree at a graduation ceremony at Bristol Beacon after completing two apprenticeship programmes with North Bristol NHS Trust, now Bristol NHS Foundation Trust.
He first qualified as a Nursing Associate before earning a 2:1 in his Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship.
After graduating, John said he hopes his story encourages others who think they are too old to study.
"Don't listen to people who say you're too old for university. If I can do it, others can too. People are more brilliant than they think and they're stronger than they think.
"The moment you start in higher education, you'll see that the door will continue to open for you. That is my encouragement to them - it's not too late. It's never too late, and there are support mechanisms there to help you."
John's career has taken him from rural Nigeria to Greece and eventually to Bristol.
Growing up in a poor farming family, he became fascinated by electronics after wondering how his family's radio worked. That interest led to a career as an electronics technician servicing equipment in Greece before he later moved to the UK.
In 2013, he decided to change direction and move into healthcare because he wanted to work directly with people.
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He joined Southmead Hospital a year later as a healthcare assistant and has since worked across cardiology, renal, orthopaedics, the emergency department, intensive care and community nursing.
"Beforehand, I was caring for electronic devices and I was happy when I could get broken devices working again," he said. "In my work in healthcare, when patients get better it gives me great joy and satisfaction.
"It has also led me to develop myself, to progress and to learn more about caring for people and how to provide high quality care. I was always looking for opportunities for degree apprenticeships because I wouldn't have been able to go to university on my own. Once the door opened, I took the opportunity and have progressed from a Band 2 level to a registered nurse. I want to build on the experience that I've already got."
John said studying for a degree had never seemed possible when he was younger.
"I didn't think I'd ever go to university, to be honest. But I have passion for learning. Even when I was small, I was so curious. When I got the chance to go to university, I didn't take it for granted - I followed it with my heart."
He completed the apprenticeship while continuing to work at Southmead Hospital, spending one day each week studying at UWE Bristol's Glenside campus and the rest of his time in clinical practice.
At the same time, his son Daniel was also studying at UWE Bristol for a degree in Creative Music Technology.
"I was aware that I was the oldest in my cohort but I always had confidence in myself," John said. "Being an older student among younger students kept me going - it made me feel younger.
"What I've learned has benefited me tremendously in terms of the patient care I give. It is also reflected in improved relationships with my colleagues and relationships with my managers.
"My time at UWE was excellent. I enjoyed it and I miss it. I will miss the lectures and the lecturers. The lecturers are so kind and hard working. I've learned from their professionalism. Everything is so student-centred and is tailored around the individual's needs."
John has now secured a nursing role at Southmead Hospital and is already thinking about the next step in his career.
If the opportunity arises, he hopes to study for a master's qualification.
Jacqui Caskey and Caroline Bromwich, Co-Programme Leads for the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship, said John had shown what could be achieved through determination and hard work.
"John is very dedicated and proof to anyone that hard work and perseverance can enable you to achieve your goal.
"He and his cohort are an inspiration to anyone thinking of following the apprenticeship route to becoming a registered nurse. They are assets and a credit to their employing organisations. Being a nurse apprentice is no mean feat - to study on a full-time programme while working in your usual role is not easy. They all juggle this with busy lives, along with family and caring commitments."
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Professor Steve Hams, Chief Nursing and Improvement Officer at Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, said:
"We are incredibly proud to see John graduate from his Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship and begin his career as a registered nurse at Southmead Hospital.
"His journey is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to pursue your ambitions. Through dedication, compassion and hard work, John has progressed from healthcare support worker to registered nurse, demonstrating the life-changing opportunities that apprenticeships can provide.
"We congratulate John on this fantastic achievement and look forward to seeing the contribution he will continue to make to patient care."
