Sarah was working as a Service Assistant for Tesco in 2013 when her husband became seriously ill – a pivotal moment that first inspired her to consider a career in nursing.
She said: “It was seeing how poorly he was and the care he received that made me think, ‘I could do this.’”
However, it would be another two years before Sarah took the first step towards her new career, sitting her GCSEs while also preparing to welcome her daughter.
“I had to start from scratch and redo my GCSEs, but I was determined to do it,” she explained. “After my daughter was born, I put everything on hold so I could focus on raising her.
“There was a point where I wasn’t going to pursue nursing because of my daughter, but one of my friends I worked with at Tesco kept pushing me to go for it. She just wouldn’t stop nagging me!
“I owe so much to her support. It’s amazing what you can achieve when you have the right people behind you.”
Sarah returned to her nursing journey in 2019 once her daughter had started full-time education. She completed an Access to Higher Education course before beginning her nursing degree at BPP University the following year.
Alongside her studies, Sarah worked as a Healthcare Assistant on the bank at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.
“It was through my bank work that I developed many of the core skills I needed to become a nurse.”
After qualifying in 2023, Sarah joined the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) at DRI as a Registered Nurse. She remained there for two years before securing a move in to the site’s Emergency Department (ED).
Explaining the move, Sarah said: “I wanted a challenge. I love staying busy and learning new skills, and I knew ED would push me and help me grow.”
Just a few months later, Sarah’s hard work was recognised when she was promoted to Sister.
“It’s hard work, but I love it,” she said. “We’re always on the go, but I enjoy caring for people and supporting patients through difficult and sensitive moments.
“I honestly couldn’t have gotten to where I am without the support of my managers and colleagues across both AMU and ED. They’ve all encouraged me to follow my dreams and progress in my career.
“I always say I did everything backwards – I had my first child at 18, got married, and had another child before I had my career sorted. But it’s all worked out for the best, and I couldn’t be happier with where I am now.”
Looking ahead, Sarah hopes to become an Advanced Clinical Practitioner, a role which involves assessing, diagnosing, treating and discharging patients.
Karen Jessop, Chief Nurse at DBTH, said: “Sarah’s inspirational journey shows that it is never too late to pursue your ambitions.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have dedicated colleagues like Sarah, who work tirelessly every day to care for some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
On International Nurses Day, the Trust is proud to celebrate colleagues like Sarah, whose dedication, compassion and determination make a difference to patients every day.
For those interested in pursuing a career in nursing or healthcare, visit https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/we-are-the-nhs/nursing-careers for information on roles, training pathways and opportunities.