News release: The secret of their success

Abstract

Local nurses and buddies Louise Gracie and Karen Whelan studied together, worked
together and played together and finally ended up collecting their nursing degrees
together at the recent University of Central Lancashire Awards Ceremony.
The pair met whilst studying at Runshaw College, before embarking on the degree
course. Both have two children, of similar ages, and both have ended up working at
Chorley Hospital, Louise as a staff nurse on the male surgical ward and Karen as a Staff
Nurse on the female surgical ward, just down the corridor.
Louise worked as care assistant for ten years before going back to study for 'A' Levels.
She is particularly keen to become involved in research into the treatment of prostate
cancer. Karen has always wanted to become a nurse and had intended to train when she
was eighteen. Now, with her children slightly older, she is finally realising her dream.
"I enjoy working as a nurse because every day is different and you never know what to
expect", says Karen, from Lostock Hall.
"You encounter lots of different emotions in the job", added Louise, who lives in
Bamber Bridge. "And you are always learning."
Karen and Louise joined over 500 students from the University's Faculty of Health who
were also receiving their certificates at the Preston Guildhall.
3 December 2002
nr211pc
-ends-