New nurse celebrates with baby daughter

Katie Thomson, who comes from Cardenden, has graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a degree in Adult Nursing.

The 23-year-old celebrated alongside her nine-month-old daughter Annie after graduating at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh.

Her degree award marks the end of a whirlwind year for Katie, who carried on through her final year of University while she was pregnant.

She completed her last nursing placement at 30 weeks pregnant and finished the management part of the qualification when Annie was just four months old.

Katie graduated alongside her fellow students from Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Health & Social Care.

“Completing my degree is a great feeling, especially to have done it as a new first-time mum,” she said.

“I had a great three years and met many wonderful nurses over my time at Edinburgh Napier.

“To know I had completed my degree and become a staff nurse was an overwhelming feeling, and to do it with Annie had been one of my greatest achievements.”

As well as the inspiration of Annie, Katie puts her determination to complete her studies down to the support of her grandparents – who encouraged her to apply in the first place.

Having previously worked on the nurse bank as an auxiliary, she has now taken on a full-time post as a community staff nurse.

Katie added: “So far, I’m loving every minute of it.

“During my final year of nursing while I was pregnant I had lots of support and encouragement especially from my husband, my family and friends.

“For me it was equally important to carry on with my degree for them as I knew how proud they were of me to become a nurse.

“I had a great time at university and enjoyed my experience. All my placements were great and I always found staff and mentors to be great with us students.”

She said: “It feels amazing to be graduating, to have Annie with me, alongside my husband and close family members.”