Helena, 36, from Telford, secured offers from three universities to study Adult Nursing after completing learndirect's Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) online while raising her children as a full-time mum.
After being made redundant, Helena decided it was time to pursue a career she had considered since childhood. Drawing on her experiences as a young carer for her father, she felt nursing was the meaningful career she had always been searching for.
To fit studying around family life, Helena chose learndirect's flexible online learning model. The qualification gave her the entry requirements needed to apply to university, helping her secure three offers to begin an Adult Nursing degree.
A career inspired by personal experience
For Helena, nursing has always felt like a natural fit. "My dad was always unwell, in and out of hospitals and being a young carer for him I knew I had the caring and compassionate attitude and attributes that would make a good nurse."
However, life circumstances meant that higher education did not feel accessible when she was younger. "Academically I struggled because I was caring for my father at such a young age and took on responsibilities which meant I didn't thrive in school. I did go on to study A-Levels in college but unfortunately there was always a barrier present."
Helena explains that university was not something she saw as a realistic option growing up. "None of my family members went to university and always went straight into a full-time job and grafted, so naturally I also got my first job at 16 working in retail and then went from job to job.
"It wasn't until I got married and had children and then made redundant that I had to re-think my whole life plan, especially after COVID hit. I felt like I needed to do something meaningful with my life, which is when my mind went back to my younger years as a carer for my dad and knew this is the path for me."
Finding a route back into education
When it came to choosing how to study, flexibility was a key factor. "I chose online learning because it fit around my children's routine, I could do the school run, make dinner etc and I found it less intimidating especially being a mature student.
"I felt worried attending classroom style learning and to be honest it is still daunting that I will be a mature student at university full time, and I have my own worries around childcare, but I know this is something I need to overcome."
Building confidence for university
Helena appreciated how the course was structured and how it introduced the academic skills needed for higher education. "My [Access to HE Diploma (Nursing) gave me a good insight into the knowledge needed for nurses. I loved the structure and layout/format for the online materials. The pictures and diagrams were good, and the team did a great job at ensuring it was easy to read and understand."
She also found the academic preparation especially valuable. "The citing, referencing and the structure and layout topics at the start of the course set the tone for the main part of the course which I thought was really clever as I was able to keep going."
Three university offers and a new beginning
Completing the course has helped Helena achieve something she once thought might not be possible. "Overall, I had three interviews for Adult Nursing and received offers for all three, which I would not have been able to do without my Access course.
"I would confidently recommend learndirect to anybody who is serious about their chosen career and is willing to put in time and effort to achieve their goals.
“I would contact learndirect beforehand and find out what you need to get to where you want to be, and they will be able to point you to the right direction."
For anyone considering a career in nursing, Helena's message is simple:
"You can do it! Nursing sounds daunting and yes, it is a lot of hard work but if you have a passion and empathy to help others, then this is the perfect career for you."
If you would like to follow in Helena's footsteps, then click here to download our free course brochure, all about the Access to HE Diploma (Nursing).
