Yvette Nyinakijeri, a Sunderland University graduate, overcomes her past to become a nurse, winning a prestigious award and thriving in her new role.
Yvette graduated with her Adult Nursing Practice degree last November. She even won the Helen McArdle Nursing Prize for her outstanding performance in her studies.
Interestingly, Yvette didn’t plan to attend Sunderland University at first. She came to an open day to support a friend. While her friend was busy, Yvette explored the campus and was impressed by the welcoming atmosphere.
Despite her excitement, university life was tough for Yvette. She escaped the genocide in Rwanda with her family, moving to Uganda and then the UK, settling in the northeast in 2011. During her first year, she needed help for PTSD and was diagnosed with severe complex dyslexia.
Yvette shared how the university supported her through these challenges. She felt a strong sense of belonging and received unconditional love and encouragement from the staff.
Now, Yvette is a prize-winning graduate and has started her nursing career in the ITU at the University Hospital of North Durham. She loves her new role and finds it rewarding, despite the challenges.
She expressed her gratitude, saying her bright future is thanks to Sunderland University and the amazing nursing team that prepared her well. The Helen McArdle Nursing Prize supports nursing education and celebrates trainee nurses at the Sunderland School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
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