Lois Gaffney

A nurse whose Open University (OU) studies enabled her to upskill while working in healthcare support at an island hospital has won a prestigious Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Scotland award. 

Lois Gaffney was named Nursing Student of the Year 2022 at a ceremony in June 2023.

Since her nomination as a student in Adult Nursing, Lois - who is based at Lerwick’s Gilbert Bain Hospital on Shetland - has gained her first-class honours degree and now works in a Staff Nurse post.

Lois, aged 32, says: “Having been a healthcare support worker for 13 years, I finally made the decision to undergo training to become a registered nurse.

“I loved being a healthcare support worker and truly believe they are the backbone of good nursing care; however, I began to grow more curious about the nursing role in health and illness. 

“I began my degree with The Open University unsure whether or not I would manage the first year. I had not had any formal education since high school and had little faith in myself to accomplish a year, let alone a whole degree. 

“The OU has allowed me to believe in myself and my own abilities. Now, here I am, four years later with an honours degree in adult nursing!”

The OU has allowed me to believe in myself and my own abilities. Now, here I am, four years later with an honours degree in adult nursing!”

Lois had left school at 16 and started working as a nursing auxiliary while she selected a future career.

Nearly 17 years on and now a nurse, she cares for patients on the same general medical ward.

“I believe that this career was exactly where I was always destined to be, and I truly feel that there’s no path I would rather be walking. I love nursing and feel it a privilege to be a part of the career.” 

Studies on home island

Living on Shetland, a group of islands about 100 miles north of mainland Scotland, Lois “explored the option of studying on the mainland, however longed to continue my work in Shetland”. 

“To study on the mainland means that returning home for a weekend with family involves either an overnight ferry trip or an expensive flight,” she says. 

I knew that the OU was the best option for me. I could remain in Shetland, continue to be a healthcare support worker and have time with my daughter and partner too.”

“After becoming a mother, I knew that the OU was the best option for me. I could remain in Shetland, continue to be a healthcare support worker with all my colleagues and continue to have time with my daughter and partner too.

"I was very glad to be accepted on to the course and would recommend it as a university to many people from all walks of life.” 

Lois’ entry on the degree was enabled by a three-month course on National 5 numeracy with Dumfries and Galloway College.

She is “extremely grateful” to the NHS funding for her degree. 

While the library was her preferred study spot, the COVID pandemic brought challenges of studying in the small cottage that she, partner Mark and their daughter Elsie lived in then. 

“Cabin fever became a very real experience, but we all got by, and Elsie got to witness first-hand the possibilities of study from home,” says Lois. 

Award shortlisting

The RCN Scotland award shortlisting included recognition of Lois’ nomination for the Council of Deans Student Leadership Programme; bringing learning gained from a neurology placement in Glasgow back to her hospital; and supporting colleagues on a nurse workforce wellbeing group.

Now a graduate, Lois says: “It feels absolutely amazing. I am still pinching myself that I have done this. I hang up my uniforms after washing them and still can’t believe I am in the cornflower blues. 

“I am immensely proud of myself and have a smile every now and then when I think of my achievement.” 

Going forward, Lois hopes her work will include covering shifts in other areas of the hospital. 

“I recently completed the Advanced Life Support course and really enjoyed that. Lifelong learning is a huge part of nursing. I am excited to see what lies ahead for any future projects.” 

Degree celebration

Lois’ family joined her to celebrate her graduation at an OU degree ceremony in Belfast.

Try to remember what a huge opportunity you have been given. Just go for it!”

To any prospective students, she says a support network of friends and family is key, adding: 

“Make sure that you are ready to knuckle down and get on with hard work. Try to remember what a huge opportunity you have been given. And finally, just go for it!”

On her award win, Lois says: “I am absolutely ecstatic to have won the Nursing Student of the Year Award from RCN Scotland! My career began 17 years ago in healthcare support work. By expanding on my knowledge and experience through The Open University, my confidence in my own abilities has improved greatly."