From student to superhero at Robert Gordon University
Are you deciding what career path to follow after you leave school? Maybe you’re looking to enhance your knowledge to bag that promotion or change career direction completely? Robert Gordon University (RGU) could be the catalyst to your career.
RGU in Aberdeen has a strong portfolio of nursing and midwifery degrees built upon a long track record of delivering industry-led healthcare education. Don’t just take our word for it, the Guardian University Guide 2020 ranks it top in Scotland for health profession course satisfaction.
RGU works closely with the NHS, independent sector partners, service users and carers to ensure that the delivery of education is contemporary, evidence-based and meets the needs of the health and social care services. Courses adopt an ‘applied’ learning approach early on, through placements and simulated learning, exposing students to a variety of care opportunities of people across the lifespan.
Real-life heroes
Recent graduate Harriet Dixon reflects on her time at RGU, studying Children and Young People Nursing.
“Nurses and other health care professionals are real-life super heroes,” says Harriet. “The work they do and the compassion they show is something I’ve admired for most of my life, and I knew I wanted to follow that path since I was about 12.
“I chose Children and Young People’s Nursing because I love children and wanted to make a difference to those who need it. Hospitals can be scary places for a child, and it’s important that they have someone there who can make them feel better while they get better – with a smile and a laugh when they need it.”
Growth
Looking back on her time at RGU, Harriet has been able to track her growth, not only as a nurse but as an individual, and has placed a great deal of importance on her hub placement with Raigmore Hospital.
She says: “I learned so much from the staff at Raigmore, making great friends and spending time with some inspirational patients, who really reminded me why I chose this area of nursing in the first place.”
“On my first day at RGU, I was asked to write a letter to my future self, saying how I was feeling and outlining what I wanted to achieve over the next three years. My personal tutor gave it back to me on the last day of teaching, and it was emotional seeing how I grew each year from a little shy 17 year old to the nurse I am now.”
Support
Now that her time at university is behind her, Harriet is ready to become the super-hero nurse that she has always admired, and has started working in the Emergency Care Unit at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.
She adds: “My time at RGU has really given me this perfect platform to put my skills to the test. I was given so much support that really helped me throughout my final year, including with job applications and interview techniques.
“Now, this is the moment I have looked forward to for years, and I’m looking forward to learning more, growing and developing into the best nurse I can be.”
For more information on RGU’s nursing and midwifery courses, click here.
