Alison Grant

I moved to the big City of Edinburgh, from rural Perthshire, at the grand age of 17 to begin my nursing studies. I graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2000 with a 2:1 honours degree – all set to conquer the (nursing) world.

My career began in respiratory medicine, where I spent an enjoyable 4 years consolidating my training and love for nursing. Always after excitement and a fast-paced working environment, I was intrigued by the work of the Emergency Department. I moved to the ED as a staff nurse in 2004, and before too long I was promoted to deputy charge nurse. It is addictive working in the ED: it becomes a part of you and the loyalty you feel to your colleagues and patients is immeasurable. And so it was with mixed emotions that (after 9 years in a role I loved) I decided I was ready for a change and a new challenge.

Research nursing here I come!

I was delighted to not be going far. I have witnessed numerous changes over the years in the ED. My hope now is that, with my clinical experience and questioning approach to nursing and emergency care, I can be a part of the bigger medical and nursing picture and contribute in a different way. I hope to bring nurse-led projects to the department and bring the clinical and research teams closer together.

Out of work I spend time running around after a very active 4 year old and running an Airbnb on the Royal Mile. If I ever get some down-time then I would like to be on a paddle board or a set of skiis!