NHS Orkney Nurses Graduate with Open University
Six NHS Orkney nurses have graduated with BSc (Hons) in Nursing Practice, and three more are to graduate in coming weeks, after they upgraded their qualifications through the Open University.
David McArthur, NHSO’s Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals, said this was a “formidable achievement” that involved sacrifice and discipline. Three of the nurses had also completed their studies during the pandemic, one of the most difficult times ever faced by their profession.
“Taking on this extra studying is not an easy thing to do and demanded a huge commitment of time and effort. Congratulations to all nine nurses from all of us here at NHS Orkney.”
The first six graduates were presented with their certificates at a locally arranged graduation ceremony attended by staff from NHS Orkney, OU in Scotland and family and friends just before lockdown. The three who just recently qualified will graduate soon, but in a virtual event.
Graduate Catherine Siderfin said she had been looking for an opportunity to upgrade her diploma qualification to a degree.
The module ‘Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care’ had opened her eyes to differing leadership and management styles, she said.
“It helped me understand the dynamics I experienced in my everyday work within the hospital and helped me identify what kind of leader I aspired to be and the traits I wished to avoid. The module highlighted the importance of self-awareness when working as part of a team and helped me see the bigger picture; understanding not only the goals of the team and department I worked within, but that of the larger organisation.”
Graduate Joanna Fergus said she felt she had grown in confidence especially in her leadership skills and now aspired to “lead by example, to provide the best care for patients and support staff”.
“I would encourage others to pursue this qualification; it is challenging to juggle work, study and family life, but it is very worthwhile.”
Fellow student Catherine Edwards said she was glad to be encouraged and supported to study further.
“In my first year, the module, Exploring Practice, enabled me to thoroughly explore a topic very pertinent to infection control, and the skills I learned are transferable to any other subject I wish to explore in the future. Year two focused on effective leadership and management, explaining the importance of good practice, strong relationships and having a critical understanding of the wider context of the care setting, whatever it may be. After these two years, I feel more confident, better equipped academically, and have a much deeper understanding of the core attributes of a great leader and manager. It was very hard work, but worthwhile”.
Linda Tait studied for her Honours in Adult Nursing.
"Age has no bearing on learning, you learn something new every day in your nursing career, I feel extremely proud of what I have achieved working full time, studying and supporting my family. I could not have done without the support of NHS Orkney, family and friends, and the expertise of having a local tutor, who went beyond her remit to support us.”
