Student nurse picks up First Class degree after fighting Covid-19 pandemic on NHS front line

After finishing her Adult Nursing Practice degree in March, 26-year-old Hayley Fairweather jumped straight into action as an Emergency Department staff nurse at South Tyneside District Hospital – helping to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.

And now she has graduated from the University of Sunderland with a First Class Honours degree.

Hayley has already served with the 251 Medical Squadron while studying, something she believes helped her to prepare for the challenges of the pandemic.

She said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my university experience. I enjoyed it more than I ever thought I would and have been lucky to make some amazing friends who made it even better.

“As soon as I finished my course I began working as an Emergency Department staff nurse to assist with the pandemic. This has been a challenge but a worthy one.

“I now plan to remain as a staff nurse within the Emergency Department to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible."

Last year, the former nursery nurse took her Oath of Allegiance and became the first student nurse to be attested by Major McDermott-Moses.

“It was such a proud day for me to take the Oath of Allegiance,” added Hayley, who comes from a family of military personnel.

Gill Maw, Team Leader for Undergraduate Nursing, said: “Hayley’s achievements are outstanding and reflect her commitment to nursing and clinical practice.

“She will be an outstanding staff nurse with a very bright future.”

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