Naser Rashid, 28, from Longton worked as a sales rep before realising that he wanted to work in healthcare.
“I always knew that I wanted to go to university. However, I never knew what I want to go into. I considered accounting, optometry, pharmacy. That's when I heard about Operating Department Practice.
“I’ve always been told I'm a people person. I love helping others. It doesn't matter how hard it may be. I'm always a person that if I see someone who is down on the floor, I'll go and pick them up and just give them a shoulder to cry on. And I thought healthcare is probably best way for me to go.”
University of Staffordshire’s BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice degree teaches the skills needed to deliver specialised patient care in the operating theatre and other critical areas. An operating department practitioner (ODP) follows the patient’s journey from when they are anaesthetised through to their recovery.
“I really enjoyed the course being split 50/50 between the uni and the clinical side. Any issues I had, my lecturers were always there for me to talk to. My clinical mentors too. They've always been supportive of me, and they've always encouraged me to do better.”
While on placement at Stafford County Hospital Naser raised concerns about consent for medicines containing animal products, which led to policy changes and staff training.
He worked with the trust’s ethics committee around religious compliance and it is hoped his recommendations will have long-lasting benefits for people from different religious backgrounds
The work led to Naser being highly commended at Your Heroes Awards last year.
“It's been a brilliant experience knowing they are implementing this and then to get nominated for a Your Heroes Award afterwards. It was just a great honour, to be honest.”
On his graduation day, Naser delivered a speech to hundreds of fellow graduates and guests and now works at Birmingham Children’s Hospital as an anaesthetic practitioner.
“You’ve got small kids who are quite vulnerable and scared. And I'm making a major difference to them and helping out in ways that no-one else could. And just bringing a smile to their faces because they come in scared, frustrated and anxious along with the parents as well.”
“Giving a speech, wearing a gown, and now making major changes to people's lives. It's quite an honour.”
Discover more about studying at University of Staffordshire at an Open Day – book your place.