The Student ODP
Casey-Leigh is a 1st year Operating Department Practice student at Edge Hill University.
She is starting again after deferring for a year.
Hey…
My name is Casey, I'm 25 and currently in my 1st year at Edge Hill University. I'm studying a profession many people are unaware exists, the hidden gem of the NHS, can you guess?
That's right, I’m studying Operating Department Practice (ODP).
Just to give those of you reading who are not familiar with the role a quick overview of what we do: we are highly skilled specialists in anaesthetic, surgery (scrub) and recovery stages within the theatre environment. We are one of the last faces you see before being put under anaesthesia, we protect you throughout the procedure, and are one of the many faces you see when you come around in recovery.
This might sound absolutely crazy but TV programs such as Grey's Anatomy and Operation Live were a huge influence as to why I wanted to pursue the ODP career path. Operations save people’s lives; they make people's quality of life better and this is something I want to help achieve. I want to help people get better, no matter how challenging this may prove, it is in my nature to show care and compassion and this role suits my personality perfectly.
When I left school aged 16, I fell pregnant and could no longer sit the A-levels I wanted, so unfortunately my career came to a pause. This did not stop me. In 2018 when my beautiful daughter turned 5 and started full time school, I decided it was the best time to re-join my journey and that same week I started at my local college studying Access to Nursing and Allied Health Professions, where I passed with an overall distinction.
Originally I wanted to be a nurse and I had never heard of the ODP role. That soon changed when a lady came to talk to us about the role one afternoon and ever since my focus has been to become the best ODP I can. After I did some extensive research about the role I found out the nearest university that offers the course was at Edge Hill University, so I immediately applied through UCAS. I remember the whole UCAS process being a very anxious time, and once I’d been through the university interview my place on the course was confirmed and I remember then feeling nothing but proud of myself.
My first day into uni was surreal; the campus was full of hustle and bustle and I couldn't quite believe I was about to start a degree. At first I found it hard to balance uni and home life, but I quickly adapted. I met some of the most amazing people, who I now call my friends.