Switching careers to Adult Nursing: what you need to know

Introduction

Hi, I’m Zoe, and I graduated from Coventry University with an undergraduate degree in Adult Nursing earlier this year. Just a few months later, I was nominated for a Daisy Award, something I never imagined when I first decided to change careers.

At 32, I left behind a steady job in sales to follow my dream of working in healthcare. I had always been drawn to midwifery, but during my studies, I discovered a love for adult nursing that completely surprised me.

“I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy looking after adults as much as I do, but I love it, especially on the gastro ward.”

Discovering my passion

On the ward, you don’t just care for patients, you meet their families, hear their stories, and support them through some of the hardest times of their lives. That is what makes nursing so rewarding.

When I found out I had been nominated for the Daisy Award at George Eliot Hospital, I was shocked. I don’t even know who put my name forward.

“It makes you realise you’re doing a good job, even on those days when you wonder how you got through.”

Studying later in life

My journey started during the pandemic, when I enrolled on an Access to Health course. Balancing study with family life wasn’t easy. I have two children, Teddy (6) and Thea (10), but I wanted to show them that it’s never too late to chase your goals.

“The course wasn’t easy, especially with kids, but I wanted to show them that you can still study later in life.”

From there, I went on to Coventry University to study Adult Nursing. Earlier this year, I graduated and joined the Adam Bede ward at George Eliot Hospital. I’m proud to say I’m the first person on my ward to be nominated for the Daisy Award.

Why I would encourage others to take the leap

If you are thinking about nursing, especially as a mature learner, my advice is simple: go for it. Yes, it is challenging. Yes, it takes commitment. But the rewards are incredible. You will gain skills that change lives, meet people who inspire you, and discover strengths you didn’t know you had.

Adult nursing has given me a career I love, and it’s shown my children that determination really does pay off.