Primary pupils get glimpse into nursing careers

Pupils from Raigmore Primary School had the opportunity to learn about careers in nursing at a special event in Inverness today (Monday 27 January). Twenty-three primary three children gathered at the Centre for Health Science for sessions on CPR, exercise, midwifery and handwashing.

The pupils had the opportunity to try on mini nurse uniforms and were presented with a graduation certificate by Iona McGauran, lead nurse for Raigmore Hospital, at the end of the day.

The ‘small uniforms’ event, organised by the University of the Highlands and Islands and NHS Highland, aimed to provide a taste of what it is like to be a nurse and to promote the profession as a rewarding career option.

The event is part of the Scottish future nurse and midwife programme, an initiative developed by NHS Education for Scotland to shine a light on careers in this area, to address stereotypes and to tackle gender imbalance within the vocation.

Professor Annetta Smith, Head of Nursing at the University of the Highlands and Islands, explained: “The World Health Organisation has designated 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife and it’s important for us to engage young people in the Highlands at every stage of their school journey to raise awareness of the potential for exciting nursing and midwifery careers.”

Heidi May, NHS Highland Board Nurse Director, said: “As a rural health board, it is vitally important we grow our own talent here in Highland and this project is an ideal platform to encourage youngsters to consider a career in health and social care. Projects such as these will play a crucial role in attracting young people to work as healthcare professionals.”

Autumn Macaulay, Head Teacher at Raigmore Primary School, commented: “This is a wonderful project. It has given the children a unique opportunity to find out more about the skills needed to be a nurse in a practical and fun way. It promotes positive destinations available here in NHS Highland as well as strengthening our partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands.”

The University of the Highlands and Islands offers a range of health-related courses, including degrees in adult nursing, mental health nursing and psychology. It also launched an innovative pre-registration shortened midwifery programme in 2018.

To find out more about health courses at the University of the Highlands and Islands, visit www.uhi.ac.uk/en/courses