A student nurse from Edinburgh, who had to isolate from her family at the height of the pandemic, has returned to the frontline to assist with testing.
Marianne Mearns, from Livingston, was undertaking an NHS placement when the country was plunged into lockdown in March amid soaring coronavirus infections and deaths.
The 30-year-old BN Child Health Nursing student, who is in her final year at Edinburgh Napier University, took the decision to be separated from her fiancé, who was shielding at the time, and live in a hotel while she carried out her placement.
She said: “I undertook an NHS placement at the height of the pandemic and had to stay in a hotel temporarily to protect my fiance who was shielding at the time.
"It was very challenging but I feel I coped well and it has made me a more competent and confident student nurse going forward.”
Marianne is now among hundreds of Edinburgh Napier nurses and midwives who answered the call by offering their assistance with the testing of fellow students. These tests should allow students to travel home for Christmas.
Around 100 students were selected to work at two Edinburgh University testing sites in the city, between November 30 and December 9, where Covid-19 "rapid" tests are available.
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Many of the same students were among 1000 from the School who earlier took up placements alongside NHS workers in hospitals and care homes amid the pandemic in spring.
Marianne said: “It is an amazing yet scary time to be a student nurse, but I feel proud to be one of the many supporting the university and the NHS during the pandemic.
“Keeping people safe is paramount, and assisting with the testing is a new challenge I am excited to be part of."
Michelle O’Reilly, lecturer in the School of Health & Social Care, said: “This is an experience we are all delighted to be involved in, with our students from across nursing and midwifery demonstrating excellent professional and interpersonal skills in helping to reduce the anxiety of fellow students getting the test.”
Professor Alison Machin, Dean of the School of Health & Social Care, said: “These are challenging times, but I am very proud of our students’ enthusiasm and willingness to apply their skills and get involved. The lessons they learn will stand them in good stead for the rest of their careers.”
