My transformative experience studying at RGU while living with Long Covid

RGU alumnus Dennis joined the DipHE Wellbeing and Enablement course after a variety of career changes as he navigated living with symptoms of Long Covid. He shares the transformative experience he went through while studying with the support from RGU’s dedicated staff.

When I began my studies at RGU two years ago, embarking on the DipHE Wellbeing and Enablement, I never imagined how transformative the experience would be even though I’ve changed direction several times before. After all, it’s hardly typical to go from a high-flying media career to pig farming by way of sports science and coaching before making the leap to healthcare.

As an Australian who has called Scotland home for the past 20 years, I had already made significant life changes by pursuing a career as a Senior Healthcare Support Worker, initially with NHS Lothian before moving to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary four years ago. The DipHE was instrumental in sharpening my focus on making a positive difference—not just for my patients and colleagues but for myself as well.

My unique perspective as a mature healthcare student and practitioner

Having entered healthcare later in life, I brought a different perspective to the course with family experiences and previous voluntary roles enhancing my motivation to help others maintain and improve their wellbeing.

I’ve been living with Long Covid for more than four years, while family members have serious health and wellbeing challenges of their own. This presented both challenges and opportunities, while giving me insights from the patient side as well as the professional side.

The DipHE is aligned with the development pathway for Wellbeing and Enablement Practitioners, who enable people to maintain or improve their health and quality of life. On my ward, this involves working in collaboration with patients, their families and the wider Multidisciplinary Team (nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, dieticians and medical staff) to promote reablement, restore independence and initiate longer term improvements to health and wellbeing. It’s a critical, intersectional role. RGU’s approach to education mirrored this ethos, offering not just academic knowledge but practical tools for fostering wellbeing and promoting health.

Being supported by RGU during my studies

Studying alongside working full-time on a busy hospital ward was never going to be easy, and the addition of living with a chronic condition added complexity. There were times when fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and physical limitations felt overwhelming. Yet, the support from RGU—particularly the course leader Kirstyn Anderson—made all the difference. Their encouragement and understanding created a space where I could thrive despite the hurdles.

One moment that stands out occurred during an assessed presentation. I was presenting to my course leader and a lecturer when my cardiac alarm started interrupting due to a tachycardic episode—a symptom of Long Covid. They offered to reschedule, recognising the difficulty I was facing. But I chose to push through, determined to complete the task at hand. While it probably wasn’t the most sensible decision, it paid off; I earned a Distinction for the module.

This anecdote encapsulates both my resilience and the supportive, adaptable environment RGU fosters. It also echoes the mission of Wellbeing and Enablement Practitioners to empower individuals to navigate their challenges and achieve their goals.

Benefitting professionally and personally from the DipHe

The course has not only shaped me as a practitioner but also opened new doors professionally. Recently, I was honoured to become a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health. This milestone reflects the knowledge and skills I’ve gained at RGU as much as my commitment to advancing public health and wellbeing.

Moreover, I am currently working towards accreditation as a Health Coach with the UK and International Health Coaching Association. This certification complements my studies and aligns seamlessly with my goal to empower individuals in managing their health. The evidence-based frameworks and person-centred methodologies taught in the DipHE have been instrumental in preparing me for this next step.

The course modules—covering health promotion, professional development, quality improvement and more—not only enriched my professional practice but also profoundly influenced my personal outlook. Living with Long Covid has been an ongoing challenge, but the lessons I’ve learned through the DipHE have been invaluable in managing my own condition. I’ve embraced the same holistic, solutions-focused mindset I aim to bring to my patients, leveraging enablers and resources rather than dwelling on obstacles.

In addition to its professional benefits, the DipHE has also served as a form of rehabilitation. Before developing Long Covid, I had studied to postgraduate level but the cognitive impairments resulting from the condition left gaps in my knowledge, impacted my organisational skills, and made it difficult to analyse complex information and relate it to daily practice. Studying with RGU, particularly with the support of course leader Kirstyn Anderson and RGU’s Inclusion Centre, has helped me recover a good deal of what I had lost. The structured learning environment, combined with the understanding and flexibility of my lecturers, allowed me to rebuild not only my skills but also my confidence in my abilities.

Moving forward with everything I’ve learned

Overall, one of the most rewarding aspects of the course was the emphasis on holistic, person-centred care. The Wellbeing and Enablement Practitioner mission statement emphasises supporting patients in defining and achieving meaningful goals that improve their overall wellbeing. This philosophy resonated deeply with me from the outset and has been a guiding principle throughout my studies.

I’ve applied this approach both in my work and in my personal life. For example, as a Senior Healthcare Support Worker, I’ve had the privilege of helping patients regain confidence and independence after setbacks. Witnessing their progress—however small—is a reminder of why I chose this path. Simultaneously, living with Long Covid has taught me to set realistic, meaningful goals for myself, mirroring the strategies I advocate for my patients.

As I reflect on the past two years, I’m grateful for the opportunities RGU has provided. The DipHE Wellbeing and Reablement has been more than an academic journey; it has been a personal transformation. I’ve gained not only qualifications but also a renewed sense of purpose and resilience.

With the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired, I’m eager to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of others, whether as a Wellbeing and Enablement Practitioner, a Health Coach, or a public health advocate. The lessons learned at RGU—both in and out of the classroom—will remain a cornerstone of my practice in the years to come.

Dennis Johnstone

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