In this 70th anniversary of Nursing Studies at the University of Edinburgh, alumnus Claudia Collado-Quezada shares her experiences as a valued member of our Nursing Studies community.
Could you introduce yourself and share when you studied in Nursing Studies at the University of Edinburgh?
My name is Claudia Collado-Quezada, I’m from Santiago, Chile, and I have been studying for my PhD in nursing studies from 2019 to 2024. I am an assistant professor at the Nursing Department at the Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile in Santiago, Chile. I am also actively collaborating in an end-of-life care and death working group at my home university and, more internationally, leading the end-of-life and integrated care working group, IFIC LatAm.
What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing/further studies in nursing?
In brief, there were three main reasons: 1st, I wanted to show my daughter Keiko that as women, we can do whatever we want. Secondly, I wanted to learn more about a topic that fascinated me, namely ethics and end-of-life care, to contribute to the body of knowledge and, consequently, improve the practice. And thirdly I had to move forward in my academic career, and my home university, the University of Chile, offered three scholarships for lecturers in the Nursing Department to study abroad at one of the world’s top universities. Thus, I applied to Nursing Studies, University of Edinburgh!
Looking back, what was the most rewarding part of your experience in Nursing Studies?
I have many rewarding experiences that I cherish in my heart when I look back. For example, the unique opportunity of exploring freely about your topic; the incommensurable support of my supervisors, and the massive learning opportunities in multidimensional ways, including having tutoring, writing retreats as unique experiences of sharing, working and going for a walk to refresh ideas, attending conferences and seminars and experiencing working groups such as marginalisation and health. The international environment is another enormous learning experience. In fact, discussing food or condiments during lunchtime became a whole experience of cultural interchange, comprehension, and friendship.
What challenges did you face during your studies, and how did you overcome them?
I faced numerous challenges during my studies. First of all, and likely the most difficult one, was to learn English to be capable of writing a doctoral thesis. Secondly, navigating turbulent waters during the pandemic was emotionally demanding, as we were uncertain whether we would be able to complete our research projects. The uncertainty was a common ground at that time. In my view, I faced an additional challenge: investigating end-of-life care planning in the midst of a global pandemic. I wondered how I could ask people about their end-of-life care preferences when many were dying all over the world due to it.
It is challenging to briefly explain how I navigated those challenges and what I felt, especially since I was pretty down at one point. However, accepting support from family and friends, and returning to simple things like breathing out everything every morning with the window open (a robin used to visit me every morning for a while), as well as exploring the cultural traditions of Edinburgh, underpinned my soul to continue. Moreover, my daughter, Keiko, the apple of my eyes, was the anchor that gave me strength and hope continuously. I believe another significant aspect of my process was the relationship I had with my supervisors, Sarah and Elaine. They stood beside me. I kept their words and support in mind the day I decided to stop and request a study interruption. I learned from them as my supervisors on my research project. Still, even more importantly, they were significant models in many aspects for me that I became aware of when I returned to Chile and took back my position at the University of Chile as a lecturer.
Can you share your experience of being part of the nursing studies community?
I felt welcome from the beginning, and I was promptly part of something. The atmosphere was very kind, international and culturally diverse, which fascinated me immediately. Respect and transnational values were everywhere. The aim of improving nursing care was a common ground that I could experience every time I had the privilege of studying and sharing with the entire nursing community. Perhaps I can say that I hugely learned so much from the experiences of our colleagues, and I genuinely appreciate the nursing community, missing it every day
How has being part of Nursing Studies shaped your career?
This is another puzzling question to answer in a few lines. I’m sure I’m still discovering how Nursing studies have shaped my career. However, kindness, rigour, knowledge, curiosity and comprehension have been vital in my work and personal life.
What advice would you give to current and future nursing students?
Go to the office as much as you can, make friends because they will be your friends forever, despite the distances, and enjoy when it is possible. The successful person is someone capable of re-flourishing and standing up every time they fail. I cannot forget how vital humour is; it may be your buffer to challenging situations that we all have.
And finally, do you have any reflections or wishes for Nursing Studies on its 70th anniversary?
I wish Nursing Studies all the best. It’s an honour for me to be part of the nursing studies community, where I feel I belong, regardless of the place and time. I will always proudly show that I studied for my PhD in Nursing Studies at the University of Edinburgh. I hope to come back someday in the future, who knows. By now, recall that your successes are also mine because we share an invisible bond. Every time I hear about nursing studies, I feel an extra beat in my heart, and it’s the beat of feeling part of it.
