Caitlin is bilaterally profoundly deaf and wears cochlear implants. In 2019, she completed her first-class honours degree in Adult Nursing and qualified into the intensive care unit where she worked for three and a half years during the coronavirus pandemic.

While working clinically during this tumultuous time, Caitlin pursued a part-time Master’s in education for healthcare professionals, gaining a distinction.

Through her work as a nurse, Caitlin realised there were gaps in knowledge of deaf people’s needs. She subsequently created a booklet that covers information including but not limited to; care plan of patients' communication preferences, how to care for hearing aids/cochlear implants, and how to book interpreters.

Caitlin is also actively engaged in researching how to make the clinical environment better suited for staff nurses who have hearing loss or develop it throughout their careers. She has successfully applied for the prestigious Swansea University Research Excellence Scholarship to pursue her research on ‘the experiences of deaf nurses within the UK.’ 

University has positively impacted Caitlin as it has set her on a path she did not believe she could achieve because of her deafness. It was the support of her university educators that fuelled her confidence in herself and her academic capabilities.

University has opened many paths for Caitlin to consider, whether it be a career in lecturing at university, research fellowships, governmental work, and many other options.

Caitlin said:

“I feel fortunate to be in a knowledgeable and change-making position that can positively improve other people’s experiences."

"University has had a huge impact on my life. I feel it has set me on a great path to help other people.”