Nurse wrote her degree essays from a hospital bed
University of Worcester"There were definitely times where I felt it was impossible to get my degree but I just kept pushing through."
Such perseverance has paid off for Esme Savage, who will formally receive her degree in Adult Nursing after her own battle with ill health.
She was forced to postpone her studies for two years following a diagnosis of pancreatitis.
But she suggested those challenges were also that which would shape her career, saying: "I had multiple surgeries, often away from home, and I had to do my assignments from my hospital bed, but being a patient and on the other side of nursing, really made me see the kind of nurse I want to be for everyone else."
The 23-year-old, who graduates from the University of Worcester on Tuesday, started her university course in 2019, but became unwell after her first year.
Ms Savage, who had to have procedures every six months, said it was a "setback" but it made her realise nursing was "definitely what I wanted to do".
"I've always enjoyed looking after people even from when I was younger and I used to look after my Nan. I saw the difference it made to her and I wanted to do that for other people.
She added: "My studies were almost a distraction from what was going on with my health but there was something in me that said 'Esme you've got to do it' and here I am."
'Determination'
Ms Savage, who is originally from Gloucestershire, completed her degree in July and is working as a practice nurse in a GP surgery.
Senior lecturer and Ms Savage's personal tutor Sam Meredith said she had shown "remarkable resilience and determination".
"Despite facing numerous challenges, she has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her studies and her future career.
"She is an invaluable asset to the NHS."
Ms Savage said her experience had helped her empathise with the patients she was looking after.
"I wouldn't change it for anything, being unwell really pushed me to get through it and I believe it's made me the nurse I am today," she said.
She added she was keen to continue her studies alongside her role.
"I want to do my Masters [degree]", she said. "I want to do prescribing and my end goal is to be a nurse practitioner."
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