400 student nurses at Stirling University volunteer to combat Covid-19

More are expected to join them.
Adult nursing student Nicola PhillipsAdult nursing student Nicola Phillips
Adult nursing student Nicola Phillips

Almost 400 student nurses at Stirling University have responded to a call for volunteers to join the fight against Covid-19.

The 396 student nurses will take their next placement as a paid member of NHS staff, while still working towards their degrees as planned.

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Nine members of staff are also in discussions with the NHS with a few to returning to clinical work.

Nicola Phillips, from Edinburgh, is in her second year at Stirling University.

The mother-of-two was in the Army before beginning her studies in Adult Nursing.

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She said it was a ‘simple decision’ to volunteer.

“People are ill; the NHS needs nurses and doctors; I am training to be a nurse and have skills that could help. I wouldn't be able to just sit at home,” she said.

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Ms Phillips will join NHS Forth Valley for her next placement.

She said: “I do feel some anxiety about my decision to help, especially as I have a family, but I don't really think about fear. I am just desperate to go out there and help – that overrides my anxiety.

"I will be supporting the nurses in whatever way I can and will be gaining valuable experience at the same time. Some of the nurses I'll be working with have guided and mentored me through my journey so far – so it's only natural that I want give back and help them too."

Fiona Smith, senior lecturer in Acute Nursing and Faculty Lead for Clinical Skills and Simulation, used to work in the intensive therapy unit at the ERI.

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She hopes to return to clinical practice in the next few weeks.

She said: “My passion for nursing has never left me - it simply refocused to allow me to educate and support the next generation of nurses.

“At this time of need, there was no doubt in my mind that returning to help frontline care, in any way that I can, was the natural thing to do. It hasn't yet been confirmed where I will be posted – but I would anticipate a return to the intensive therapy unit, given my clinical background.”

She added: “It is fantastic that the University is supporting our return to clinical practice at such an important time. I am looking forward to being back – but naturally a bit nervous.

“NHS Forth Valley and our other clinical partners have done so much to support our students over the years; it is a privilege for me to be able to support them now in a clinical capacity.”

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