Lynsey on Nurse of Year shortlist

Former South Eastern Regional College (SERC) Access student Lynsey McLaughlin has been shortlisted for RCNI Student Nurse of the Year.

Lynsey is currently in her final year of a BSc Adult Nursing at Queen’s University Belfast.

Lynsey from Lisburn said: “I was nominated for this award by my lecturer in Queen’s. I helped campaign for a new self-catering facility for the nursing and midwifery students.

“Everyone knows how tough financially it can be for nursing/midwifery students and we had nowhere to heat up or cook healthy, homemade meals. We as nurses promote public health in a big way but we also need to look after ourselves as well and now we have our own space within the MBC.”

Lynsey had previously worked as a hairdresser for 16 years when she decided it was time for a for a career change. She went along to one of the College open days to find out how she could be better off at SERC and hasn’t looked back since.

Speaking about her experience on SERC’s Access course and getting back into education, she said: “I always had a desire to go into nursing so after attending an open day at the College, I decided now was the time to make the step.

“The flexibility of the Access course worked well for me as I’m a single mother of two. After 16 years out of education I was so nervous, but I quickly settled after meeting my tutors.

“They explained how the course would work but also mentally prepared the whole class for the hard work that was expected. I got great support and advice throughout the course.

“The College gave me so much support in preparing to progress to university.

“I always go back to visit my tutors at SERC as I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without their help and support.”

Related topics: