TWO DUNDEE nurses who have combined studying with bringing up young children graduated with nursing degrees at Dundee University.

Lynne Stewart and Nicola Burke have worked as surgical nurses at Fernbrae Hospital since they completed their initial nursing diploma at Ninewells.

The pair, who have become good friends through their work, have juggled changing nappies with working full-time and studying.

Lynne (27) has coped with raising her 22-month-old son Jack with long days at the hospital and having her head stuck in textbooks.

“It has been hard going but worthwhile,” she said.

“I’m glad I’ve done it, but it was difficult sometimes trying to find time for everything.

“I am glad it’s all over and things will be a bit easier now.”

Nicola (33), who is married to Michael and is mother to Fraser (16) and two-year-old Lucy, was also pleased that it’s all over.

“With working shifts and having a family to look after it was often very difficult, but it’s definitely been worth it,” she said.

“With the first module we had to get up and travel through to Kirkcaldy on the train, which was often a struggle.

“I’m glad I stuck with it and all the extra hard work has paid off.

“It’s a huge relief that all the studying is over and we didn’t have to resit anything.”