Prince William and Kate give Magee nursing students royal seal of approval for amazing work during pandemic

William and Kate spoke to the students via video call to hear more about their experiences of studying during the pandemic, and of undertaking placements on the frontline in the north.

One of the first students to speak to the couple was first year student Abigail McGarvey, whose video diary demonstrating the typical life of a nursing student on night shift was a big topic of conversation.

Abigail, from Portstewart in County Derry, told the Journal her ‘heart nearly stopped’ when she was told she would be chatting to the pair just one hour before she was to do so.

But, she said they were ‘lovely’ and wanted to know all about life as a student nurse and the challenges of the pandemic.

Abigail told the couple about some of the challenges she had faced, including the emotional impact of patients being unable to receive visits from their families.

She also spoke about her experience of starting university during a pandemic, and the impact that COVID-19 has had on her ability to socialise and learn with fellow students in person due to lockdown restrictions and a subsequent increase in online learning.

“They were so nice, which was a big relief as I was really nervous. They were so interested in what we were saying and asked lots of questions. They told me that they enjoyed the video and asked about the challenges of nursing in a pandemic.”

Abigail said that her nursing placement in Causeway Hospital was definitely not what she was expecting, but she ‘loved it.’

“It’s challenging as you have PPE and the difficulties that can cause in relation to communicating with some patients. But I am absolutely loving it. I don’t have words to describe how much. It made me realise this is what I was born to do.”

Abigail’s grandmother, mother and sister are all nurses so she is very much following in their footsteps. She said she is hugely enjoying her course at Magee and hailed the strong support she has received. “They have been brilliant, We’ve been holding regular Zoom calls and making sure any questions we have are answered. We have been so well supported.”

She added how she was delighted that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s call also placed a focus on the work of student nurses during the pandemic. After speaking to Abigail, the Windsors then joined a video call with a group of second and third year students taking part in practical clinical sessions in Derry.

They included Stephanie Dunleavey, Lecturer in the School of Nursing, and third year nursing students Elizabeth (Lisa) Semerdzhieva, Rachel Reid and Paige Murray. Both cohorts undertook placements during the first wave of the pandemic, with many opting to extend their placements in order to continue to support the frontline. During the call, the students discussed their appreciation for the invaluable experience they have gained, and the support they received from the university.

Ranked in the top 50 nursing schools in the world, the Magee School of Nursing is one of the largest programmes at Ulster University, with 1,600 students registered. At the start of the pandemic in March 2020, students were asked to join the front line.