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Nurse who juggled family crisis with studies to graduate with distinction is honoured in new University of the Highlands and Islands award


By Alasdair Fraser

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UHI graduate nurse Hannah Caina
UHI graduate nurse Hannah Caina

A resilient Highland nurse who qualified while supporting siblings through a family crisis has received a prestigious new university award.

Hannah Caina (25) graduated with distinction with a BSc nursing degree and has become the first recipient of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Chancellor’s Nursing Award.

The honour, presented on behalf of the university’s chancellor, HRH The Princess Royal, recognises Ms Caina’s determination in the face of adversity and her contribution to the department of nursing and midwifery.

The graduate was nominated for the award by her personal academic tutor Abbi Tracey, who explained: “Hannah experienced a family emergency that resulted in her becoming the carer and guardian for her younger sister and brother.

“In the months that followed, Hannah provided both siblings with a huge amount of time and support. For the entirety of her final year, Hannah lived in a one-bedroom flat with both siblings and her husband.

“She acknowledges that finding the time and focus for coursework and assessment was hugely challenging.

“Despite this, she completed her work to a very high standard and gave up her time to help organise a fundraiser for Alzheimer Scotland, and represent the views of students in a placement improvement group.”

Ms Caina, of Inverness, now a nurse at Raigmore Hospital, will receive £100 and an engraved glass trophy to mark her success.

The graduate said: “I am absolutely overwhelmed.

“There were times I didn’t think I’d be able to pull through, but nursing is my passion and the one thing I would not give up.

“Thanks to the amazing support from my husband, the university and my mentors, I managed to complete my degree and secure my first job.

“I am loving working as a staff nurse!”

Aimie Davies (31) from Nairn has been selected as UHI’s nursing student of the year. The BSc nursing graduate also qualified with distinction and now works as a nurse with NHS Highland.

UHI graduate nurse Aimie Davis
UHI graduate nurse Aimie Davis

She was commended for her excellent work, determination and interpersonal skills, and receives £100 and a certificate.

Aviemore’s Fiona Dudgeon (27) received UHI’s first Royal College of Midwives Award.


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