I didn’t always know I wanted to be a nurse.
Back in 1991, I was studying a BTEC National course when I realised it just wasn’t for me. I dropped out and started a Youth Training Scheme in care, which opened a lot of doors for me.
Just three months into my placement, I was offered a full-time job as a Support Worker with Community Integrated Care, supporting young adults with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour. I absolutely loved it. I stayed for nine years, building strong bonds with the people I cared for. But eventually, I knew it was time to move on. I felt like I’d done all I could, and I wanted to grow. That’s when I made the decision to apply for nurse training.
Just three months into my placement, I was offered a full-time job as a Support Worker with Community Integrated Care, supporting young adults with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour. I absolutely loved it. I stayed for nine years, building strong bonds with the people I cared for. But eventually, I knew it was time to move on. I felt like I’d done all I could, and I wanted to grow. That’s when I made the decision to apply for nurse training.
I started my training at Edge Hill University in 2000. One of my placements was in the Surgical Assessment Unit at Aintree Hospital – and they offered me a full-time job when I qualified in 2003. I stayed there for 15 years. It was a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, and I gained so much experience: IV therapy, wound care, catheterisation, NG insertion, PEG feeding, and more. I even became the Lead Coordinator for the unit.
But after 15 years, I was ready for a change again. I moved on to The Turner Home, working night shifts and supporting men with severe mental health challenges. It was a completely different environment and helped me grow in new ways.
2015 came around, and so I took on something new again – a role with MYA Cosmetic Surgery in Liverpool. I ran my own clinic, supporting patients before and after surgery. I loved the independence and being able to focus on detailed, one-to-one care.
In 2018, I decided it was time to return to nursing home care, working nights at a palliative care home. At the time, it suited my family life – I had a young daughter, and my husband and I were trying to balance two demanding careers.
Sadly, in 2021, my husband passed away suddenly from a heart attack at just 42. When I asked to switch to day shifts to support my daughter through our loss, the home couldn’t accommodate it, so I had to leave. I took time out of work to be there for my daughter when she needed me most.
As of 2025, I’m now with Jane Lewis. I haven’t been here long, but I’ve already been made to feel incredibly welcome.
