Emma Hayes
I started my nursing career in Ireland, completing a pre-nursing course before heading to Scotland to the University of Stirling for my bachelor's degree in Adult Nursing. Edinburgh's beauty and vibrant atmosphere captivated me during my studies, and I became a weekly visitor. After graduation, Edinburgh became my adopted home, and I started my nursing journey at the Royal Infirmary.
After two intense years in orthopaedic trauma during the pandemic, I craved a new challenge. Critical Care was a revelation, and I knew I'd found my calling when I stepped onto the unit. Witnessing the extraordinary care provided to patients ignited my passion for deepening my knowledge and skills. Pursuing a master's in Critical Care at the University of Edinburgh was my next step in becoming an even more effective caregiver.
The MSc in Critical Care has already proven to open new doors and create exciting opportunities. Since commencing the course, my infographic on optimising sedation within Critical Care has been recognised and incorporated into a quality improvement initiative at my workplace.
Furthermore, I was honoured to be invited to participate in the programme review day, where I presented valuable feedback on behalf of my cohort. My contributions were well received by the programme directors and will lead to positive changes. This experience was incredibly rewarding and solidified my commitment to be a catalyst for improvement.
Ultimately, I aspire to use my education to become a skilled educator, a tireless patient advocate and a confident clinical leader. I am eternally grateful for this scholarship, which is an honour to receive and will significantly contribute to my pursuit of these goals.