As students across Northern Ireland receive their GCSE results today, former Bricklayer and Ulster Hospital Theatre Staff Nurse, Bobby Scott is encouraging those who may not have achieved the results they had hoped for to never give up on their career dreams.
After leaving school with five GCSEs, including a C in Maths, Bobby followed his ambition of becoming a Bricklayer. He built a successful career in the construction industry over 18 years, before the economic downturn in the sector brought his time in the trade to an unexpected end.
In 2010, Bobby applied for a Nursing Auxiliary role in Paediatric Theatres at the Ulster Hospital. He had never considered a career in healthcare, but quickly discovered a passion for working in Theatres and supporting children and their families.
His role as a Nursing Auxiliary involved preparing surgical sets and instruments, assisting the Scrub Nurse and ensuring the Theatre environment was clean, organised and fully stocked.
Bobby’s dedication, determination and natural ability quickly impressed Theatre Manager, Donna Healey and Deputy Theatre Manager, Agnes Hawthorne who encouraged him to consider studying for a Nursing degree through The Open University.
Although Bobby initially doubted whether he would be able to complete a degree, he took on the challenge while continuing to work as a Nursing Auxiliary and supporting his family.
He successfully completed the four-year course, graduating with an Honours degree and becoming a Theatre Staff Nurse in Paediatric Theatres.
Bobby’s outstanding commitment to his studies was also recognised when he received an Outstanding Student Award. Theatre Managers, Agnes and Donna proudly accepted the award on his behalf while Bobby was enjoying a well-earned holiday.
Reflecting on his journey, Bobby said: “I left school with five GCSEs and a C in Maths which was not ideal. I always wanted to be a Bricklayer and I did this for 18 years which I really enjoyed. When the building crash hit, I ended up out of a job and I got a job in the hospital as a Nursing Auxiliary in 2010. I never thought I would ever work in a hospital. I always wanted to be a Bricklayer, but things happened that just got me here.
“I would not look back now. I never thought I would be able to do it. The staff here in Theatres gave me the confidence to try and I am here now.
“The Managers in Theatres encouraged me to think about the Open University Nursing Degree. Again, I did not think I would be able to do the degree, but I was given the confidence to do it and it helped me through it.
“I still worked as a Nursing Auxiliary while undertaking my studies as I had a family to support. It was an easy way to do it as the course was online and I also undertook various placements.
“I just love working in Theatres. I came away from school with very little and look at me now. I got an Honours degree which I never thought I could do.
“It just goes to show that if you put your mind to it, you can do anything. I was so delighted to be nominated by both Agnes and Donna for being a top performing student. I was so lucky to get the award. It was such an amazing achievement.”
South Eastern Trust, Deputy Theatre Manager, Agnes Hawthorne said she could not be prouder of Bobby and the journey he has taken from Nursing Auxiliary to Theatre Staff Nurse.
Agnes added, “Bobby started with us without any experience at all. He was not here very long before we decided that he was capable of much more than being a Nursing Auxiliary, so we encouraged him to consider further education.
“He then had to interview to get into the course which is not an easy thing to do. It was a four-year course and at the end of it he received an award for being one of their best students. Donna and I had to pick it up because Bobby was on holiday, it was such a proud moment for us.
“We are so proud of him and he is an amazing Nurse. Absolutely amazing!”
Encouraging students to consider an Open University degree, Agnes stated, “I think The Open University is a great opportunity. If I thought I wanted to do something as an adult, The Open University would probably be my first port of call. It provides opportunities for people who are really perfect for the job to develop their skills and achieve their ambitions.”
Bobby hopes his story will give encouragement to young people receiving their GCSE results today, particularly those who may feel disappointed or unsure about what comes next.
Bobby said, “I never thought I would be able to do something like be a Theatre Staff Nurse and to be able to achieve that. But if you just put your mind to something that you want to do, just go for it. You can achieve anything!”