Natalie Sanford

Tell us about your time at the University

The programme attracts nurses from all over the world, which establishes a global network of healthcare professionals. This makes the experience of graduate school at the University unique from other similar programmes, because students have access to conversations about healthcare from people from all over the world. The conversations I took part in at Edinburgh expanded my world-view, both generally and within the healthcare arena. This type of knowledge would not have been accessible to me elsewhere.

Tell us about your Experiences since leaving the University

Since leaving University, I have been travelling around Europe. I have also been working on applications to several conferences and journals to share my work. Upon returning to the U.S., I plan to work in Boston in the field of paediatrics. I also plan to eventually return to school to obtain my NP degree. I am also interested in collaborating with other healthcare professionals from all over the world to improve the quality of and access to care globally. This is something that was not on my radar prior to attending my graduate programme at Edinburgh.

I was afforded many unique opportunities while at Edinburgh, many of which would not have been available to me had I not gone out of my way to develop relationships with the other students and the faculty.

Alumni wisdom

If I could offer advice to future students, I would suggest diving in! I was afforded many unique opportunities while at Edinburgh, many of which would not have been available to me had I not gone out of my way to develop relationships with the other students and the faculty. Enthusiasm is key- you get back what you put in! Enjoy every moment and leave no stone left un-turned.

Leaps in the Dark

Nursing graduates from the University of Edinburgh have become prominent academics, policy makers and innovative practitioners making a national and international impact. The alumni event ‘Leaps in the Dark’ on 4 November 2016 brings together this diverse group of nursing graduates in a mix of plenaries and workshops to document the ‘leaps’ taken by individuals and groups during each of the six decades of our history. There will also be a dedicated session at the Royal College of Nursing International Nursing Research Conference on 6-8 April 2016 for alumni to attend plus a session to be run by current students.

Visit the Leaps in the dark website for more information and to book