Flat-sharing nursing students off to Aberdeen

Five students who began their nursing studies at Shetland College are off to university – and have rented a flat together.

What began as an introduction to the profession for the students at the college grew into a stepping stone to university. And as friendship and team spirit built among them they all applied for and were all accepted to study for the Diploma in Nursing at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.

Sarah Hopper, Nicole Lavender, Joy Preston, Jon-Ross Williamson and Jonathan Stickle met up on Friday at the ferry terminal in Lerwick to catch the boat to Aberdeen. Their first term of the diploma will start soon and Jonathan explained what it would entail: “The first year of the course is quite general but the second year focuses on mental health which is what I’m really interested in so I’m really looking forward to that.”

It is the first time the any of the five have studied away from home, Joy said: “I’m nervous but excited. I’m looking forward to meeting new people, being independent and getting to work in a hospital environment. Going to the Shetland College gave me the knowledge and confidence I need for the placements because we got experience working in hospitals on the Access to Nursing course. I feel I’m as prepared as I can be.”

Nicole, who is looking forward to going away and starting her career, agreed: “Because of the college course you really know what you’re getting into and what nursing is about.”

Jon-Ross, however, was not so sure about what he was getting himself into sharing a flat with the group: “I’m not sure what to expect, we’re going to find out what everybody’s habits are when we get there.”

Nicole was quick to add: “It’s just good fun going with people you know.”