A newly qualified nurse who was inspired by the hospital care given to her gran feels like her journey has come full circle – as she starts work on the very same ward.
Caitlin Tervit has graduated from Edinburgh Napier University’s BN Adult Nursing course, collecting her degree alongside fellow School of Health and Social Care students at the Usher Hall.
It marks the end of a remarkable journey for the 32-year-old from Dunfermline, who cites the treatment that her gran, Margaret, received while undergoing a liver transplant as the moment which ignited her passion for nursing.
Caitlin said: “It was a really hard time, but what stood out most was the incredible care the nurses gave her they were compassionate, patient and treated her with such dignity.
“I remember sitting in the side room thinking, ‘I want to be like them.’ I even emailed Edinburgh Napier from the ward to ask how I could get in, as I hadn’t stayed at school for my Highers.
“That moment planted the seed for everything that’s followed.”
Several years after that initial inspiration, Caitlin felt a renewed urge to pursue the idea during the Covid pandemic, when the work of nurses drew widespread public acclaim.
She enrolled on an access course at college, paving the way for her to study at ENU.
Caitlin added: “Seeing how nurses worked with such dedication during the pandemic reminded me why I’d wanted to do this in the first place.
“Getting my offer to study at Edinburgh Napier felt amazing – like it was finally my time.
“The course exceeded my expectations. The support from lecturers and classmates was fantastic, and everything clicked when I was out on placement.
“Each experience, whether in hospital or the community, helped me grow in confidence and develop my own nursing identity. I met so many lovely mentors who have really inspired me and shaped the nurse I’ve become.”
Following the completion of her course, Caitlin’s story took a fitting turn, as she was offered a post on the same ward where her gran was treated – the Scottish Liver Transplant Unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh – where she had first enquired about studying at ENU.
“Thinking back to that hospital room with my gran, I could never have imagined that I’d actually get here,” she said. “It feels surreal and emotional.
“It’s been challenging at times, but I’m so proud of myself and grateful for the journey.
“It feels incredibly special like everything has come full circle. That ward will always hold a huge place in my heart, and now I get to work alongside some of the nurses who first inspired me.
“It’s an honour to start my career where my passion for nursing began.”
If you’re interested in following in Caitlin’s footsteps, find out more about studying nursing at Edinburgh Napier University here.