Nicola Hehir

For years Nicola Hehir was inspired by the nurses she worked alongside and is now following in their footsteps after completing her nursing qualification with The Open University (OU) in Scotland.

Nicola, aged 36 and from Carluke in South Lanarkshire, had always wanted to become a nurse, but circumstances throughout her life meant she didn’t have the opportunity to go to university. 

While working as a healthcare support worker in accident and emergency (A&E), she received an email about the OU in Scotland’s nursing degree programme.

Future as a nurse

“I realised this was the opportunity that suited me. I could remain in employment, continue working within a team I value, while also progressing towards my life goal of qualifying as a nurse. Now I have achieved my qualification I am excited about my future as a nurse,” she says.

I realised this was the opportunity that suited me. I could remain in employment, continue working within a team I value, while also progressing towards my life goal of qualifying as a nurse."

As well as funding her Bachelor of Science (Honours) Nursing (Adult) degree, she says that her NHS employer was “amazing from the very start of the programme”.

She explains: “The information session before the application even began covered everything that was needed and made me believe I was making the right decision.

“The interviews were well structured, felt relaxed but to the point, and the application process was supported by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s education team.

“Once I commenced, my department was fully informed of the requirements of the course and every member of my senior nursing team worked with me to ensure my rota was also supportive of my studies.”

Supportive, flexible programme

Nicola welcomed the structure, support and flexibility that the OU in Scotland nursing programme offered. She says: “I could go at my own pace, knowing what was due and by when, so I could plan my study time to meet the demands.

The flexibility of the course meant I could study at 2am or 2pm with no restrictions, which was helpful as a shift worker."

“The flexibility of the course meant I could study at 2am or 2pm with no restrictions, which was helpful as a shift worker. The support of the tutors was invaluable, accessible by a simple email.” 

As well as gaining further experience in A&E, she says that the range of placements, including in coronary care and spinal high dependency units, “enhanced my knowledge and taught me various techniques and skills that will remain with me throughout my career”.

Nicola also undertook placements with community teams, in a new style of nursing to her, “visiting some of Glasgow’s most vulnerable patients in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide treatments with the aim of keeping people well and out of hospital”.

As well as the pressure of studying and working in the NHS during the pandemic, Nicola’s partner was in an accident and admitted to hospital for a month for multiple surgeries. 

Just before completing her degree, she faced a new personal challenge. She shares: “I lost my gran and found out I was expecting a baby, despite years of infertility.

“This became quite scary, as I was worried about working while pregnant, and I found it challenging to focus on the academic work while feeling unwell with first trimester symptoms. 

“I liaised with the OU team and my education department, had the relevant risk assessments, and made a plan which allowed me to complete my placement. I didn’t lose out on any opportunities, and working in a safer area of A&E allowed me to still take the lead on my own patients.”

First-class Honours degree

Nicola was awarded a First-class Honours degree and will start work as an A&E staff nurse at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow after returning from maternity leave. 

During her studies she was inspired by “every nurse I have worked with across 17 years in the NHS. I have seen so many inspiring, compassionate nurses and I cannot wait to start my career following in their footsteps”.

She concludes: “I can be my own worst critic but when results day arrived and I saw my efforts had resulted in a First, I couldn’t believe it. 

“I am so proud of myself - I have reached my dream after years of self-doubt!”