Sophie Cameron

Sophie's Story

Sophie Cameron receives her degree just months after she was named Student Nurse of the Year 2017 at the Student Nursing Times Awards.

The Nairn-local has already secured a full-time nursing job and believes the experience gained while studying at Stirling has proved invaluable and will continue to do so.

She said: “I have wanted to be a nurse since I was at high school and when it came to applying to study, the only university I considered was Stirling. It is ranked among the best for nursing in the country.

“Being able to study in the Highlands meant I didn’t need to move away and I’ve been able to live at home, apart from when I have been on placement. I completed a number of placements in a variety of locations and that has given me a strong insight into nursing in rural and isolated areas.”

A strong influence on Sophie’s desire to become a nurse, was seeing her nephew cared for in hospital. She added: “After seeing how the nurses looked after my nephew, I knew that I wanted to give something back.

“Nursing is a rollercoaster of emotions but it’s a hugely rewarding job and I can’t imagine doing anything else. The most important thing is to have determination.

“With determination to succeed in your exams, and determination to do the best for your patients, you can overcome anything!”

Of her positive experience of studying at Stirling, Sophie said: “The thing I valued most was the support provided by staff. Lecturers often knew you by your first name, classes and clinical skills sessions were in small groups, and if you ever needed extra help or advice then you could always go to the staff and your personal tutor.

“The support of my amazing personal tutor was invaluable in helping me to win the Student Nurse of the Year award.”