10
Rebecca Gates,
BN Nursing Studies, 2010
“I heard about the course from peers who had
careers in nursing and who had really enjoyed
their time at Edinburgh Napier. It came across as
a really down to earth, grounded place to study.
The University is very well known within the health
care sector and had a variety of placements on
offer whilst studying. I also knew that having a
degree from Edinburgh Napier would offer good
employment opportunities after graduating.
“I enjoyed all my time at University! The highlight
for me was getting to travel to New Zealand to
undertake a placement. I applied for a student
grant, along with three classmates, and we were
successful in receiving funding. Without it, we would
never have had the opportunity to experience, what
really was a memorable placement, and it was all
thanks to the Development Trust. The opportunity
for me to travel during my studies really helped
when it came to finding work, as my CV really stood
out when it came to applying for jobs.
“My personal tutor, Ailsa Sharp, was fantastic.
I had a great relationship with her and Carolyn
Blight, who really encouraged us to travel during
our student years. All the lecturers were really
approachable.
“I was fortunate, that I had my first nursing role
before I even graduated. It was at the Edinburgh
Royal Infirmary in the High Dependency Unit, which
was a great experience. I spent a year there before
relocating to the Borders and taking on a staff
nursing role at Castle Craig Hospital, a private drug
and alcohol rehabilitation clinic.
There I developed skills working with mental health
issues, detox and helping patients on their journey
to sobriety. I’m also on the Nurse Bank, which
provides a variety of work opportunities allowing
me to keep up my clinical skills and I volunteer with
Crew 2000 and work alongside the harm reduction
drug awareness team.
“Edinburgh Napier gave me opportunities that
other organisations might not have. I didn’t have
A Levels, or Highers, and I got the opportunity as
a mature student to study something that I really
wanted a career in. From work experience to great
placements and having the opportunity to travel
really stood me in good stead for my career. The
icing on the cake was receiving the Student of the
Year award in 2009. If you put the effort in – you
reap the rewards!”
Since interviewing Rebecca, not only has she
received a promotion but also gone on to undertake
a new role within the NHS.