I qualified from Edinburgh Napier University as a Learning Disability nurse in 2012. Since then, I’ve been around in some capacity or another! When I qualified as a nurse I took a post within a residential unit for children with complex physical healthcare needs and learning disabilities. It was then that I took my first secondment to Edinburgh Napier – a second quickly followed and before long I took on a full time position. The School of Health & Social Care were kind enough to allow me to continue attending to clinical nursing for half of the week.

I’m currently the deputy field lead for the undergraduate nursing programme and I love every minute of it. Students never cease to challenge us and that’s incredible. The role has given me so many opportunities – I have taught in Singapore, Romania, England and hope to spend some time in Oslo next year. I think the students value that I work clinically and many of them bump into me as they are doing their placements.

Originally I had no interest in nursing, or at least I thought I hadn’t. I started a university course back at home in Wales to become a primary school teacher… it didn’t really work out for me. At the same time I was working as a support assistant for adults with learning disability and I loved it. I wanted a career that would enable me to work with people with learning disabilities but make a bigger difference. A colleague was a learning disability student nurse and that really inspired me. So I packed a bag and moved to Edinburgh. My motivation to teach was the same – I could do my daily work, or I could help shape the huge numbers of students that come through our doors every year.

I enjoy so many elements of my role at Edinburgh Napier University – the international work, being part of the LGBT+ staff network, the amazing and supportive colleagues and friends I have made. However, nothing compares to seeing a student nurse walk across stage at graduation and reflecting back on how much they have flourished. For me there is the added bonus of seeing them as nurses as they move on from university.

Learning disability nursing is a very small branch of nursing, and we get a lot of slack but you will never find a more rewarding job. As an 18 year old, I worked for a high street fashion retailer and it was probably the most demoralising and uncreative place I have ever worked. The people who come into learning disability nursing have drive and compassion like no one else.

My friends are my salvation, I surround myself with people who make me feel at ease. Being with my tribe is when I feel most at ease. That may be because I am one of seven children…

I recently took up cycling as my main method of commuting. It really helps me to shake off the cobwebs of the day and get me home feeling so much more relaxed, having processed my day on the journey home. Sighthill has some great facilities, which makes active transport so easy to do – even if there are a few too many hills to get here!