I am an Advanced Nurse Practitioner working in General Practice in the Western Isles and I am also a research nurse for the University of the Highlands and Islands. I had always enjoyed my community placements as a student nurse but for the first four years of my career, I worked as a theatre nurse. I enrolled on the MSc Advanced Nurse practitioner programme with UHI as a means of developing my clinical practice. Part of the way through the Masters programme I was lucky enough to be offered a trainee ANP post with a local GP surgery. Working in the community has its rewards and challenges, especially as COVID 19 has changed the way we all work. I am fortunate to work with a fantastic and supportive team and have learnt a tremendous amount from them all.
When I received the email informing me of the QNIS award I was surprised and honoured to be nominated for this prestigious award. Completing the Masters programme gave me the foundation to work as an ANP in the community, it developed both my clinical practice and academic skills. The dissertation module sparked an interest in research, and I was fortunate enough to secure a part-time research post with UHI. The teaching and support of the UHI staff have been invaluable in the development of my career. Receiving the QNIS award has reinforced my drive to learn more and further both my clinical practice and research aspirations.
