An NI woman whose life-changing diagnosis led her to pursue a career in nursing has landed a job at the same hospital in which she was treated as a teenager.
Abby Robinson from Co Antrim was among those who graduated from Queen’s University on Thursday, with the 23-year-old due to start work as a children’s nurse at Causeway Hospital in Coleraine.
The Portrush student was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at just 15 years old and battled debilitating and painful symptoms through more than 50 hospital admissions over the next three years.
Her health struggles came at a crucial time in her education, with the impact on her mental health causing her to leave school during her A-Levels.
In 2019, at just 18 years old, Abby opted to undergo stoma surgery, which involved part of her bowel being drawn through her abdominal wall to offer relief from the chronic pain that had affected her for years.
Following the successful surgery, Abby felt well enough to return to education, enrolling at Ballymoney Tech where she achieved a Level 3 qualification in Childcare.
Her experiences with the health service had inspired her to pursue a career as a children’s nurse and she enrolled at Queen’s University in 2021.
She still faced health challenges and required additional surgery, but remained committed to her studies, graduating on Thursday as a qualified paediatric nurse.
Abby said the support provided by Queen’s had been “first class”.
“I had two operations during my course and thought I might have to defer, however, my lecturers’ support meant this didn’t happen,” she said.
“They directed me to Disability Services, who were very understanding and supportive.
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“During nursing placements, I was worried that having a stoma bag would hold me back, however, adjustments were put in place by Disability Services to ensure this didn’t happen.
“Without the support I received from Queen’s, I don’t think I would be where I am today, a fully qualified paediatric nurse.”
As well as studying for degree, Abby looked to support others going through similar health challenges, launching her Instagram account “The Life of Spencer” to share her story.
That desire to help others also led to her joining the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) panel, who work to help people living with IBD and raise awareness of the condition.
Abby said beginning her career at the hospital that helped her during her surgery and recovery was a “dream come true”.
“Having spent so much time there during my own health battles, I am now ready to give back, helping children and young people who have their own health problems,” she said.
“I chose children’s nursing because I always loved working with children.
“From my journey I recognise how difficult it is going into hospital, and I hope that I can use my own experiences to help other children through a vulnerable time in their lives.
“But also, to show children that having a health condition does not stop you from living your life. I believe everything happens for a reason.”