International Nurses Day (12th May) is an opportunity to recognise the remarkable contribution of nurses and to celebrate those taking their first steps into the sector. Our Access to Nursing and Midwifery provision supports adult learners (19+) from a wide range of backgrounds to pursue meaningful careers in healthcare.
This year, we’re proud to share the inspiring stories of two of our students, Mary and Fatou, whose determination and commitment to caring for others highlight the very best of the nursing profession.
Mary’s journey to nursing
Originally from Nigeria, Mary, 40, moved to the UK over a decade ago, settling in Eastwood four years ago. With a background in computing, she made the bold decision to change career and pursue her long-held ambition of working in healthcare - inspired by her late mother, who was a midwife.
"I wanted to help people the way my mum did. I wanted to push for my dream.”
Mary enrolled on the Access to Nursing and Midwifery course at Nottingham College to build the knowledge she needed, particularly in biology, which she hadn’t studied before. She describes the course as a vital stepping stone, giving her a strong understanding of the healthcare sector.
Balancing full-time work, family life with her husband and two sons, and an intensive one-year course has not been easy.
“It’s been a rollercoaster year, but I know it will be worth it.”
Mary credits the support of her tutors as a key factor in her success, describing them as encouraging and always willing to help her stay focused on her goals.
Looking ahead, Mary hopes to study at the University of Derby and qualify as a midwife within the next three to four years. She is driven not only by her ambition to care for others, but also by the example she wants to set for her children.
“I want to leave a legacy to my children, that if you want something, you should go for it.”
When asked about the importance of International Nurses Day, Mary said: “Nurses are at the very heart of the hospital and without them they wouldn’t function. They deserve to be recognised for the vital role they play every day.”
Fatou’s personal experiences inspires nursing career
We’re also celebrating Fatou, 45, from Bulwell, whose personal experiences inspired a career change and a deep commitment to caring for others.
After many years working in business management, Fatou’s life took a different direction when her youngest child suffered a brain injury a few weeks after birth. Regular hospital visits and the support she received from healthcare professionals sparked a new ambition.
“Seeing the amazing work of the nurses inspired me to change my path.”
Determined to follow this calling, Fatou began her journey at Nottingham College, progressing from Level 1 Health and Social Care through to Level 2, and now completing the Access to Nursing course. If she receives the grades, Fatou is hoping to secure her place at Nottingham Trent University.
Alongside her studies, Fatou cares for her children, including her five-year-old son, who has epilepsy and requires full-time support, making her achievements even more incredible.
Fatou says the Access course has been key in preparing her for the next step, particularly the psychology and biology modules, which she finds most interesting.
“The course has really helped me understand both how the body works and how we behave. It’s been so interesting.”
She also gained valuable hands-on experience through a six-month volunteering placement at Nottingham City Hospital.
“I’d like to go into adult nursing to begin with and see where it takes me. That’s another great thing about this profession – there are so many different areas you can specialise in.
“I think raising awareness for International Nurses Day is very important because nurses do such a good job. it’s not easy to care for others and choosing this path takes real dedication. I think nurses deserve to be recognised and celebrated.”