Katherine Fagan

I have wanted to be a nurse since I was a little girl. I lost my dad to a brain tumour when I was just 22 years old, and going through that experience, as well as seeing the care he received from nurses and the support they gave to our family, made me want to help and care for patients and families during some of the hardest times in their lives. I put my dream on hold when I fell pregnant not long after losing my dad, and I spent 12 years as a stay-at-home mum. I later became a single mum of four when my youngest child was just a newborn. During this time, I sat with my grandad on his deathbed, and witnessing the care he received once again reignited my passion to become a nurse. I knew that I wanted to give back and help people, and I felt that I had the kindness, compassion and resilience needed to become a nurse. I wanted to use my life experiences in a positive way to shape me into the kind, caring and competent nurse I am becoming each day, while ensuring that I always deliver the best possible care to my patients and their families.

As soon as I stepped foot into Edge Hill, I just knew it was the university for me. I loved the campus vibes and knew it would fit around life as a single mum. When I found out about the Fastrack course, I was thrilled and cried tears of joy. I finally knew there was a way to make my dream of becoming a nurse come true, when I had previously thought it wouldn’t be possible as a single mum of four who had been out of education for 20 years.

One of the biggest things I’ve gained from my degree is the development of key skills that will shape my nursing career, including resilience, delivering person-centred and holistic care, and always striving to be the best nurse I can be.

One of the most memorable moments of my degree was helping to save a patient’s life while on placement. The patient had become severely septic, and being part of the team that delivered their care was both emotional and incredibly rewarding. Receiving such positive feedback from doctors, senior nurses, the patient and their family reinforced my belief that nursing is exactly what I am meant to do.

My favourite thing about my degree subject – Absolutely everything. Nursing is my passion.

The support at Edge Hill has been exceptional from day one. From the Fastrack programme through to my nursing degree, I’ve always felt supported. The university has been particularly understanding of the challenges that can come with being a single mum, whether that’s childcare issues or balancing family commitments alongside studying. Receiving a £1,000 Fastrack scholarship also provided valuable financial support and helped me focus on achieving my goals.

My favourite place on campus has to be the Health Building and Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre. It’s where I’ve been able to put theory into practice and develop the skills needed for a career in nursing. Although, I do have a soft spot for the Students’ Union bar on a Friday afternoon too!

After graduation, I hope to work within a major trauma or critical care department in a hospital. I’m excited to begin my nursing career and continue developing my clinical skills in a challenging and rewarding environment.

My advice to anyone considering studying nursing at Edge Hill is to keep an open mind and believe in yourself. There will be difficult moments when you wonder how you’ll get through it, but you absolutely will. Joining the Fastrack programme was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It prepared me for degree-level study and helped me discover who I am, not only as a single mum, but as a future nurse. For that, I am incredibly proud.