Ulster University nursing students enjoy zoom call with royalty

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spoke to nursing students from Ulster University via video call to hear more about their experiences of studying during the pandemic, and of undertaking placements on the frontline of the COVID-19 response in Northern Ireland.

Their Royal Highnesses firstly spoke to Abigail McGarvey, who documented a typical shift as a first-year Adult Nursing student on her TikTok. Abigail told The Duke and Duchess 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.

Their Royal Highnesses then joined a video call with a group of second and third year students taking part in practical clinical sessions at the University’s Magee Campus in Derry/Londonderry.

Both students undertook placements during the first wave of the pandemic, with many opting to extend their placements to support the frontline workforce. During the call, the students discussed their appreciation for the invaluable experiences they have gained working on the frontline, and the support they received from the university during this challenging period.

Ranked in the top 50 nursing schools in the world, Ulster University’s School of Nursing is one of the largest programmes at Ulster University, with approximately 1600 students registered in the School.

At the start of the pandemic in March 2020, students were asked to join the front line. Student placements were adapted to meet the needs and demands of the health service, with the majority of students being placed in COVID-19 areas in both hospital and community settings.

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