What chance do I have of getting into Uni, realistically?

[Kushanku]

I want to go into nursing. I've just finished a level 2 health and social care course. I start the access course next week for a year and I want to get into Uni for 2011. Thing is I have no experience. I have finally managed to secure a shift at a hospice voluntarily which starts next Sunday so when I write my personal statement I can at least say I'm CRB checked and working in a care environment.

But I know there is loads of competition, so realistically, what chance do I have of making the 2011 intake?

No practical advice ,sorry ,but didn't want to leave your post unacknowledged.
I imagine that you have a chance ,surely lots of good candidates lack direct qualifications .
You sound sensible ,keen ,motivated .All good qualities.
Keep going ,good luck .

I've just finished Access course - some on mine wanted to go into nursing - some got places some not. Sounds like you're in the right direction with the vol. work etc. Why not ring a few Unis - they should give you an idea of what they're after. Also speak to your college uni admissions advisor - maybe you can arrange more experience in the mean time.

I am a nurse and it sounds to me that you have a very good chance of getting in.Are you tied to getting in to a specific uni or can you go further afield? Dont worry too much about experience, thats what the course is for,the fact that you are already doing some voluntary work and have worked hard to get the entry qualifications will tell the uni that you are motivated and dedicated. good luck.

I thought they were crying out for student nurses?

My friend's just finished her nursing degree and I done rememebr her having any difficulty getting in. She didn't have any nursing or care experience, paid or voluntary before starting.

IIRC, though, I think nursing has quite a high drop out rate so, for your own sake, it is probably best for you to get some varied experience in the field before next year.

If you start and dont finish it can be hard/expensive to transfer to something else.

Why not do some bank HCA work at your local hospital?

Can you volunteer to work as a visitor/friend in your local hospital - some patients don't have anyone to come in regularly, take them to the lounge for tea, bring books and magazines around etc.

I am due to start my nursing diploma in March at Bradford.

Due to the crappy economy there are fewer places than ever. For the march intake at Bradford there were 49 places and over 2000 applicants. Competition is very fierce.

However all is not bad. Having done some work in the Admissions office I can tell you that if you are classed as a mature student (over25) you have a greater chance of getting in.

I would however get some experience doing basic care work, I have worked in care for 3 years and its us carers who get the good one to one time with the patients/residents. Plus I'm sure you dont want to be one of these nurses who are too posh to wash

Getting HCA work in NHS is difficult without experience but I'm sure care homes in your area will be happy to offer you bank shifts.
It will open your eyes believe me, theres only so much you can learn from books!

I did my Access to nursing and all the nurses got in, but all the midwives did not. I went on to do Politics instead (thank god).

You have some cracking experience and that should be emphasised in your personal statement.

It very much depends on there area that you live in whether or not you have a chance of getting in. But I think you have nothing to lose by continuing to volunteer and increasing your education.