Access to Nursing

I came to Scotland in 2010 as a 20-year-old, straight after high school, barely passing my final exams and having very basic English communication skills. I worked in a laundry for a number of years, earning money and sending it home to pay off debts and support my family. During that time, I undertook ESOL courses to improve my communication and employability skills, got married and had a daughter. Having a stable and secure job meant I didn’t have any pressure on me to seek other employment. It was very depressing at times, but it paid my bills - until I was made redundant. At that time, I decided that whatever I do next in my career must be meaningful. 

I started to work in the care sector, first as a home carer then as a care assistant in one of the care homes. I found it very rewarding, but I had a feeling that I was capable of doing more to support vulnerable patients. I used to stay next to the Kirkcaldy campus of University of Dundee, and I always looked jealously at my next-door neighbour’s student nurse uniform. Frequently, I visited the University of Dundee website to check entry requirements for Adult Nursing programme just to reassure myself that this was not for me!

During my redundancy period, I received support from Skills Development Scotland who helped me with job and college applications. I managed to get myself on to the Access to Nursing course at Fife College. At that time, I had a couple of years gap in my education, I had never thought of applying into higher education. But I had nothing to lose, so I did it. 

Thanks to SWAP, I got accepted for Adult Nursing at the University of Dundee. During the first year I felt like an imposter, I struggled very much with my academic work, but I found the practice placements so rewarding and enjoyable. There were hard times during Covid19 pandemic as all learning was happening online and I felt very isolated and hopeless. Despite these challenges I managed to complete my undergraduate with a distinction! I still find it hard to believe it. 

I have got a job in medical admissions, and I am just about to complete my full-time MSc in Nursing and Health. Sometimes I wonder what my life would look like if I did not get help from SWAP. I believe this programme gave me a huge opportunity and now I am able to pay this debt back by giving the best care possible to my patients. 

Never have I felt better and prouder of myself in my whole life. My journey does not end but only begins! Thank you SDS and SWAP for giving me a chance and changing my life! 

Before I started my SWAP course I was a beauty therapist for 3 years, then the covid pandemic arrived and I took a job in my local hospital as a receptionist in the accident and emergency department. I felt like I wanted to do more and help more so I decided to apply for the SWAP Access to Nursing course.

I learnt so much during the SWAP course and loved meeting other students and building friendships. The SWAP course provided me solid knowledge for university, I always refer to the SWAP course as my stepping stone to nursing as it made the transition to university less intimidating. All of the lecturers on the SWAP course were so supportive and encouraging, this definitely helped me understand certain subjects and it helped me feel more confident in myself.

I applied to universities in Glasgow as it was closer to my family, I was aware I wouldn’t know anyone on my course from the SWAP programme however I have met so many new people that will be lifelong friends during my degree and placements. I still keep in touch with the friends I made during my SWAP course. The whole experience was completely worth it and I encourage anyone who is thinking about it to bite the bullet and do it, life is too short to miss opportunities like this.