Ella chose to study Nursing at Queen Margaret University because of the campus’ welcoming feel and close-knit community. Drawn to the course’s focus on both the science and practical side of nursing, she found a place where she could build her knowledge while gaining real hands-on experience. From developing clinical skills to making strong friendships and growing in confidence, Ella has made the most of every opportunity at QMU. As she looks ahead to her future in nursing, she carries with her the skills, resilience, and self-belief she’s gained along the way!
Why did you choose to study at Queen Margaret University (QMU)?
What first made me want to go to QMU was its size. Its size meant that it was easy to learn to navigate my way around quickly and that I didn’t have to travel far to get to different classes and even to other buildings unlike other universities. The closeness of its student accommodation also made me want to come here. Finally, another big reason that made me decide to come here was the everyone I met at events for prospective students were so helpful and kind.
What interested you about your chosen course?
Out of all the unis I applied for only two offered a nursing course that was a Bachelor of Science (BSc) with QMU being one of them. Its focus of research and the bioscience behind nursing was something I was quite interested in. Their facilities also something that interested me especially the clinical skills lab which was very impressive with it looking like a hospital ward and the many clinical skills that could be practiced in there.
Why attracted you to study in Edinburgh?
My hometown is only a 30 min drive from Edinburgh, so it's nice not having to travel far for uni. I knew studying at QMU would give me the opportunity to get a new appreciation for Edinburgh as living only 30 mins away my whole life did make me take it for granted.
What have you most enjoyed about your course? What has been the highlight?
My favorite thing in my course is the bioscience module. I have always had a small interest in anatomy and physiology, which has definitely boomed since starting my course. The classes are very engadging and I have taken my learning outside of the classroom by going to the surgeon’s hall and the UoE’s anatomical museum. A highlight of my course has been all the friends I have made on it who are going on this journey to become nurses with me.
Have you participated in a course activity you found especially interesting?
The clinical skills classes are always very interesting as they have allowed me to put theory into practice, e.g. taking vital signs, inserting NG tubes, etc. One of the most interesting lectures I’ve had was about the history of nursing which I loved because it was interesting to see how far nursing has come.
How have your lecturers supported your learning?
There a so many very supportive nursing lecturers who will go above and beyond to help us with university work and out on placement. What helps is the fact that the course size is smaller than other courses, so the lecturers get to know all the students and are invested in our learning and goals. The main way they personally help me with my learning is by making the lectures and seminars as engaging as possible, whether it's from discussions or group activities.
What have been some of your challenges with the course and university life? How have you overcome them?
One of the biggest chanllenges of my course is balancing placement with university assignments. It can sometimes feel very overwhelming especially since you are away from uni. I try to overcome this by using uni resources that’ll help me like my Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) and preparing for my assignments well before placement starts or way before they are due in.
Have you taken part in a placement as part of your course and if so, what was your experience?
As a nursing student, I take part in placement. Placement in a healthcare setting can be rewarding and interesting as all the theory and clinical skills you’ve learned can be out into practice. At other times it can be quite challenging, especially in areas that are heavily busy as it can be overwhelming and stressful. What has helped me is the healthcare workers that have been supportive in my learning and understanding towards me, which has helped me in some stressful situations.
Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in applying for this course?
Go to as many prospective student events as you can because they will give you a great insight into what the course is like and what the overall experience at QMU is like. This will greatly help you decide if QMU is for you.
Have you been a part of any extracurricular programmes or activities during your time as a student at QMU? If so, how has it helped you develop skills and experience?
During my time here at QMU I have become a class representative who gathers feedback from their cohort and feeds it back to the lecturers so that they know what is working well and what isn’t and how can it be improved. This role has helped me build my confidence, especially as I need to represent my cohort in meetings with the lecturers alongside another class rep. It has also helped me with my orginisation skills as I need to balance this role with classes.
What QMU student services have you used to support you through your university journey and how have they helped you?
The Effective Learning Service (ELS) has provided me with many helpful resources to help me better my university work. The wellbeing service also helped me a lot at the beginning of my course as I was very overwhelmed with being at uni and being away from home for the 1st time.
Did you attend an online or in person Open Day/Offer Holder day before coming to QMU?
I attended both an open day and an offer holder day before I started my course. They were ultimately the reason I chose to go to QMU because they gave me a great insight into the university experience QMU had to offer.
What’s your ‘top tip’ for making the most of being a student?
Make use of the other facilities at QMU whether that’s Maggie's, the student bar, or the fitness suite. Doing this will get you the most out of QMU and help you socialise. Also, take advantage of the fact that you’re just a 6 min train journey to Edinburgh as there is so many things to do in the city.
What has been the most valuable lesson that you’ve learned at university?
Being at university has helped me gain a lot of confidence in myself and become a more outgoing person. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to have more confidence in myself as it has helped a lot in uni and in my personal life as well.
Have you won any special awards during your time at QMU?
Yes, the Excellence in Nursing Bioscience Award. This was one of the awards that was presented at the nursing, paramedic and art therapies celebration ball in my 1st year. When they announced I was the winner, I was very shocked as I didn’t expect it at all. This award has helped me have more belief in myself and my capabilities as a nursing student.
What are you plans after graduation? Tell us about your ambitions and where you see yourself in the future?
As my course is nursing, people might assume that the answer to what I’m doing after graduation is simple, but there are so many different types of nursing it’s so hard to choose which one I want to go into. Right now, I’m very interested in becoming a theatre nurse once I graduate, but I’m keeping my mind open to what other career paths nursing has to offer.
