A nurse picked up her third degree from RGU today – 24 years after she first began studying at the university.
Katrina Cruickshank, a full-time nurse at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin, was awarded an MSc in advancing nursing practice at today’s ceremony at P&J Live and said she was “absolutely delighted”.
The 42-year-old first joined the university in 1998 to pursue a BSc in nursing.
After briefly working at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, she decided to settle back home in Moray and took up a post in orthopaedics at Dr Gray’s.
In 2016, more than a decade after first graduating, she completed the non-medical prescriber module at master’s level at RGU as a distance learner.
Two years later, Mrs Cruickshank gained a trainee advanced nurse practitioner post – a one-year fast-track development programme developed by RGU, NHS Grampian and the Advanced Care Academy, that allowed her to complete a PGDip in advancing nursing practice.
‘Absolutely worthwhile to do it’
But her plan to gain the full masters was delayed when Covid hit, and all her efforts were put into caring for people in Moray. However, she was undeterred and is thrilled to have made it to graduation today.
She said: “It was extremely hard going and a lot of hard work put into it, so it’s been absolutely worthwhile to do it.”
Mrs Cruickshank will continue her current role as an advanced nurse practitioner in orthopaedics with NHS Grampian and is already looking at further learning opportunities at RGU.
Reflecting on her time at university, she said: “Gaining these qualifications has allowed me the opportunity to work as an advanced nurse practitioner, which has given me so much job satisfaction.
“Each day is a challenge and I am constantly learning something new. Without a doubt, my new path will not only provide me with many development opportunities but will also contribute to enhancing the orthopaedic service.
“I am proud because returning to RGU as a mature postgraduate student made it all possible.”
- Check out who else is graduating this week with our handy interactive tool.
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