I was always passionate about helping people and nursing seemed like a perfect fit for me.  

It all started 25 years ago, I was a mum of two boys, a 3-and-a-half-year-old and a 6-month-old and I applied to do a PLC in nursing. After finishing the course, I wanted to focus on my two small children and decided to wait before I went on to study a four-year degree programme.  

Unfortunately, 17 years ago, I lost my sister to suicide. It was a very difficult time for my family and my mother found it particularly hard. Her mental health suffered and she attended a mental health facility to help her through the grieving process. I visited every other day, where I regularly met with her healthcare team. I remember her consultant saying she wished all family members were like me and so supportive of the family member who has mental health. When I was caring for my mother, my friend was diagnosed with cancer and I naturally wanted to do everything I could to help and support her. 

I remember one day sitting in the coffee shop on a visit with my mum when I saw a student nurse. I’m inquisitive and I started asking her questions. I said to my mother, I'm going to work here someday. It made my mother smile, something I had not seen for a while. 

As the years went on, I had three more sons and I became a family foster carer, fostering my niece and nephew. As you can imagine, I was very busy with seven children, a husband and a dog to look after as well as my mum. The dream of becoming a nurse never left me and given my insight and all I’ve been through, I knew I'd make a good nurse. So, I reapplied to a pre-nursing course in Bife, Bray, Co Wicklow and this is where it began, my journey into mental health nursing.  

At first, I felt like an impostor but sitting in the lecture rooms, with the new friends I'd made from the mental health group felt surreal. The teachers Emer and Anne were fantastic as well as all the other tutors and Vice Principals, Gabriel and Louise. Their support was incredible. I also want to thank Dr Regina Joy, whose classes I really loved. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today - studying mental health nursing in UCD. 

I was one of the lucky ones who got to do a four-week placement in the National Forensic Central Mental Hospital. I enjoyed every minute of it. The staff where lovely and accommodating, especially my preceptor and the Clinical Nurse Manager in charge. I also had the opportunity to do my Erasmus in Malta. I spent three weeks working and living in Malta. 

I tell anyone who asks me how I do it, that it's more accessible than you think. As a mature student, a 3rd-level college course is easier to manage. It’s not all 9 to 5, Monday through Friday. Sometimes, it's 10am to 2pm or 9am to 1pm. Hours change each year. There is a lot of support too through the social clubs, group nights out, coffee mornings, counselling, etc. My family and friend were such a great support as well, particularly my friend Heather who was my shoulder to cry on and vice versa. 

For anyone who thinks that they can’t do it or it’s too late to try, I say go for it. It’s the most rewarding and enjoyable career you can have.