Norman chose to study at QMU due to its reputation for
delivering a high quality nursing undergraduate course. Moving
to Edinburgh from the Highlands of Scotland was also an
easy choice - the vibrancy and culture of Edinburgh was a
big draw for him.
Discussing his course, Norman said: “I did have a fear that
the academic work would be beyond me, but I was committed
with a strong work ethic. The academic work became easier
and really interesting. I enjoyed every clinical placement as it
gave me the opportunity to apply theory to practice.
“With good mentorship on placements and in the University, I
feel that I developed a professional approach to nursing.
“After graduating, I gained a lot of clinical experience working
in acute medical admissions, rehabilitation and urology at the
Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.
“I then decided to continue developing my knowledge and I went
back to QMU in 2007 to study MSc Nursing over three years. It was
hard doing this whilst working, but I felt that my practice matured
as I progressed through the course. At this point I was working
as a urology nurse specialist at the Western General Hospital and
the MSc positively influenced my clinical decision making, critical
thinking, case management and professional approach.”
Norman made another career change in 2010, when he went to
work in the oil and gas sector as an offshore medic for Centrica in
the East Irish Sea. He explained: “It’s an autonomous job where
healthcare is delivered in a hostile environment to a population
with unique needs. It’s been a fantastic experience for me and I’m
fortunate to work for a company which has recognised my academic
ambition and has given me the training and development to have a
new role as the offshore health, safety and environmental advisor.”
Norman is now und