Graduation and award success for Vicky
Vicky Tromans from Melrose has just graduated with a Master of Nursing from Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh.
Not only did Vicky achieve her degree, she was awarded The Students’ Student Award, which is voted for by students in the same year who believe the individual has gone above and beyond during the final year of the course.
Vicky, who is 37 years of age, didn’t come into higher education until her early 30s. She spent a decade living abroad with her husband who was in the army. However, after separating, she became a single parent, and had to rethink her career options. She went back to college to complete an access course to nursing. She didn’t think she’d get into Queen Margaret University, so was over the moon when she secured her place on the Master of Nursing (MNurse).
I absolutely loved the experience of studying nursing at Queen Margaret University. I really liked the strong community atmosphere and the feeling of belonging that QMU is so well known for. The university is a nice size - you don’t get lost in the crowd and you’re more than just a number. For me, the academic support was invaluable, and I was so well supported by the team during some of the challenges of family life. I lost my granddad during my final year. It hit me hard, but the there was lots of support and understanding from my lecturers. I couldn’t have asked for more.
Vicky continued: “I am lucky to have been both well supported by the University and by my family and friends, who have been amazing. I don’t think I would have made it through the master’s degree without their love, encouragement and support, so I have much to be thankful for.”
With nurses in big demand across the UK, Vicky was immediately snapped up by the NHS. The day after she completed her course, she joined the CTAC Central Team working as a staff nurse in treatment rooms based in GP practices in and around Galashiels.
Vicky was able to celebrate her success with her mum, dad and step-dad, who attended an impressive graduation ceremony at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, followed by a reception on the University’s campus.
At what was the first of three QMU graduation ceremonies to take place in July, Vicky was joined by Patrick Grant, entrepreneur and judge of BBC One’s ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’, who was officially installed as QMU’s new Chancellor. Vicky was in good company at the ceremony on 7th July, as she and her fellow graduates were also joined by Carol Rogers, Scotland’s leading forensic scientist. Carol, who is best known for her work on serial killer Peter Tobin’s case, was awarded an honorary degree for advancing the field of forensic science, particularly in relation to investigations of sexual offences across Scotland.
For further media information contact Lynne Russell, Communications Manager, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, E: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk , copy to: pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk.
