Case Study

In February 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic began, I moved from the North West to the North East of England to be closer to my three daughters who had all left home to study in Newcastle. Soon after the move, the nation went into lockdown, which meant I was on hand to support my girls, who are all nurses within the NHS. This was a really significant life-changing event for me.

I have worked in healthcare for over 20 years and always wanted to become a nurse, but the financial and physical restraints of bringing up a family on my own meant that for many years, this wasn’t an option. However, the move to the North East provided me with the opportunity I needed to re-evaluate my life.

At 56 years old, I’m definitely not your average student! But I plan on working until I’m at least 67, so I’ve still got plenty in me to give. I had a good chat with the MNurse Programme Leader and they agreed with me – I was accepted onto the course and have just finished my first placement.

Life can provide us with lots of obstacles, but it can also provide us with a lot of knowledge and experience. Whatever our age, we should grasp opportunities and give them our all. It’s always the things that we don’t do in life that we regret, so never let age become a barrier.

In nursing, we can make a difference every day, so think about how many differences we can make in a week, a month, a year… if like me, you have lots of experience within health and social care, then the MNurse (Adult) is the perfect course to get you to where you want to be. Speak to the Nursing team at Sunderland about your situation and your options, as they are really understanding and supportive.

Published 11 January 2022