Former businessman, 63, starts new nursing career

Arthur Louis had worked in the manufacturing business all his life before retiring to Cyprus. But after only six months, he realised that he was not ready for a life of leisure and wanted to give something back to society.

Arthur, from near Codsall, south Staffordshire, enrolled at the University of Wolverhampton in January 2007 to study a Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE) Nursing.

He passed his course in January this year and is set to graduate from the School of Health and Wellbeing in September.

The father-of-two recently started his first nursing job – working in a busy Accident and Emergency unit at a West Midlands hospital.

And Arthur, who started his studies at the age of 60, says he is enjoying the new challenge.

“I absolutely love it,” he says. “The work is totally different from what I used to do in business. I had only ever been in a hospital as a visitor before doing this. It is a different environment but it is very rewarding for me because it is exactly what I wanted to do.

“I was concerned that I may not get a job when I qualified, but I am delighted to have this new role. At the end of every shift I like to think that I have done something to help somebody, and that is a nice feeling.

“The University course was hard work but it was fantastic and I would recommend it to anybody. I liked being with the younger people, they were very supportive. In fact everybody I have met has been very helpful, including the staff at the University and at the hospital where I did my placements.”

Arthur adds: “I am an older man and I know that, but I got total support. I think I was treated exactly the same as the other students. I would encourage other mature people to consider a course at higher education level in anything they are interested in. I have nothing but praise for the University – they did take a big chance on me but it has been a tremendous experience.”

Linda McGrath, Senior Lecturer Adult Pre-Registration Nursing, said: “It has been my pleasure to support Arthur through his three years of training. He has proved that you're never too old to start a new career! And I would like to wish him all the best for the future - he is an asset to the NHS.”

For more information about School of Health and Wellbeing courses, visit www.wlv.ac.uk/shaw

Further information

Picture: Arthur Louis (upright image also available)

Note for radio producers: ‘Louis’ is pronounced ‘louie’.

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