Lauren Beaton

Lauren's Story

Mature student Lauren Beaton chose to study for her nursing degree at Stirling due to the course's reputation. Being based in Inverness, it also allowed her to stay close to her network of friends and family.

Initially inspired by a work colleague who was a nursing student, Lauren was extremely passionate about having a career which would allow her to help people. That determination to succeed in becoming a nurse shone through when Lauren took a period of maternity leave not long after beginning the course. She returned to successfully complete her studies and the new mum is looking forward to starting her nursing career in the Highlands and Islands, having already secured a full-time job. Lauren said: “Being able to study locally, on a well-respected course, was very important to me. After the years of hard-work it is fantastic to be graduating with the friends I have made and to now be starting my career as a nurse.

“I was two months into the course when I found out I was pregnant, which was a big shock. The course staff were fantastic and talked me through how best to return to my studies after maternity leave.

“That level of support and understanding made a huge difference to me and is ultimately the reason I am graduating today and preparing to start my first role as a qualified nurse.”