Lois Gaffney, a recent graduate from the Open University is now working as a Staff Nurse in NHS Shetland, was nominated for the award when still a student.Described by her practice assessor as an inspirational role model, Lois studied nursing on her home island of Shetland through the Open University. She was inspired to become a nurse after working as a health care support worker.
Showing initiative from the outset, when her assessor suggested learning atrial fibrillation on her next shift, Lois turned up having prepared a research piece detailing not only the workings and electrical activity of the heart but how to read an ECG. With a keen interest in neurology and recognising the limitations of opportunities on a small island, Lois applied for funding to travel to Glasgow for a placement and has already brought back her learning to her rural setting.
Nominated for the Student Leadership Programme run by the Council of Deans, Lois regularly supports other students to change mind sets from ‘What if I fall?’ to ‘What if I fly?’. Lois has also joined her NHS board Chief Executive to present a livestream on student nursing in remote and rural areas to encourage others to take up nursing as a career and has been supporting colleagues through her role on the Nurse Workforce Wellbeing Group of NES.
Back on the ward, Lois is championing patient movement to reduce lengthy hospital stays and also recently produced a toolkit on respiratory care which is already being applauded as a valuable teaching resource for the whole team.
Applauding Lois on her award win and obvious commitment to her career in nursing, Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Director said: “Becoming a nurse takes years of study, hard work and dedication. Lois showed exceptional promise during her professional education and practice placements, attaining not only the clinical and academic competence required to become registered with the NMC, but also the recognition and admiration from her qualified colleagues. I wish her the best of luck as she embarks on her nursing career and expect great things to come”.
After receiving her award Lois said: “I am absolutely ecstatic to have won the Nursing Student of the Year award from RCN Scotland! My career began 17 years ago in healthcare support work, and by expanding on my knowledge and experience through the adult nursing honour's degree with The Open University, my confidence in my own abilities has improved greatly.”
Susan Stewart, Director at The Open University in Scotland, said:
“The Open University in Scotland has a proven track record of working alongside NHS Scotland boards and partners to enhance the skills and careers of healthcare staff, irrespective of educational and social background, pre- and post-registration. I’m delighted for Lois whose success exemplifies the Open University's mission of supporting our students to achieve their goals, whoever and wherever they are, and to open up new opportunities in their lives and work.”
Congratulations to runner up Georgie McLachlan, former student at Stirling University now working as a community psychiatric nurse, and Samuel Thomas, former student at University of the Highlands and Islands now working as an OOH community nurse who was highly commended.
