Icenian Interview – Beth

Cardiac nurse Beth Lane joined Langley in 2009, leaving in 2014 before a career in medicine that includes a diploma in tropical nursing and a near-complete Master’s in Critical Care. Here we find out the steps she took to get there.

Which A-Levels did you gain?
I gained A-Levels in Biology, Psychology and Geography, a combination of subjects providing me with the ultimate foundation for my future career. Biology developed my knowledge of the human anatomy, physiology and living organisms – all information I use on a daily basis as a cardiac nurse. Psychology supplemented me with the understanding of the human mind, its functions and interactions, while Geography enabled me to explore the complex relationships between places, people and their environment.

During school, did you know what career you wanted to pursue?
The catalyst for my desire to become a nurse stems from numerous personal experiences and interests. Aged ten, my brother was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect; I have clear memories of his treatment, the staff involved and his ensuing aftercare. Following this I developed a true desire and drive to pursue a career in which I was able have the same impact on other people and their families. Additionally, having an interest in the human anatomy, pathophysiology and ultimately how the body worked helped drive my aspirations.

Which of Langley’s extra-curricular activities were you involved in?
Throughout my time at Langley, I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, exploring the Norfolk countryside with classmates. This love of exploring developed during the multiple trips abroad that I was lucky enough to complete during my five years at Langley. My most memorable being the Indonesia trip in Upper Sixth with Operation Wallacea. I have fond memories of the three-week trip whereby myself and nine other students carried out remote conservation work in both the forest and vibrant coral reefs, collecting data for various research studies while also completing our professional scuba diving qualifications (PADI).

Have these activities helped you since school?
It was these expeditions throughout my schooling that gave me the confidence to go on and complete further international work, most notably a nursing placement in Arequipa, Peru. I worked alongside healthcare professionals in a local impoverished general district hospital to provide both public health and Zika Virus Aid during the pandemic. I have developed and advanced these unique skills further throughout my nursing career to enable me to adapt to my environment, whether it be at a festival or London’s biggest COVID-19 Intensive care unit in more recent months.

What did you study at university?
I stayed in Norwich and lived at home while studying Adult Nursing at the University of East Anglia, which subsequently led to my first job in a specialist cardiac unit. From there my interest in the heart blossomed, leading me to pursuing an intensive care nurse role in London’s leading cardiac center, St. Bartholomew’s. I’ve always had the ‘bug’ for learning so it’s unsurprising I got restless on my days off from the hospital and enrolled myself into further learning. While in London I have gone on to complete a diploma in tropical nursing at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and am now finishing a Master’s in Critical Care, indeed arming me with an ideal combination of knowledge for a global pandemic…

What advice you would give to students considering career options?
Hard work and determination pay off. It’s okay to not be sure of the job you want to pursue in later years. As long as you have a good foundation and the motivation to work you will have the essential skills to become a highly qualified and successful individual in whatever line of work you later choose.

Shout-outs
I would like to specifically thank Mrs McRobert for her continuous dedication throughout my schooling. Her caring, compassionate and thoughtful approach to all students will always be among my fondest memories at Langley.