Rebecca Smith

Job title

SCPHN School Nurse

Why Teesside?

Teesside University is local to me and has a fantastic reputation for health courses, knowledge and expertise of staff, and support offered.

How did University help prepare you for your career?

My time at Teesside allowed me to develop into a school nurse. I gained an understanding of the role and the impact I have on the health and wellbeing of children and young people. Since graduating, I have gained employment as a school nurse within the local authority where I worked as a student school nurse.

Tell us about your current role

I work with school-aged children, young people and their families to improve health and wellbeing outcomes and reduce inequalities and vulnerabilities. We lead the healthy child programme (ages 5-19) and are essential in ensuring every child has the best start in life. My role includes identifying children’s needs, signposting to appropriate services, and providing health promotion messages and targeted evidence-based interventions.

Ambitions for the future?

I hope to go further in the role of public health and look to work within a commissioning role in the future.

Would you recommend Teesside?

Yes – the staff are very supportive, approachable, and knowledgeable. Teesside helps students to achieve their best.