Written by Sarah on 11/05/2026
My journey into nursing
My name is Sarah, and I am the Lead Practice Nurse for a busy inner-city GP practice in Nottingham, working across two sites. My journey into nursing and eventually into leadership has been anything but straightforward. In fact, “linear” would be a very generous description.
Starting out: from Healthcare Assistant to early ambition
I began my career in my twenties as a Healthcare Assistant, initially taking the role simply to fit around my baby and husband. It wasn’t exactly a lifelong dream at that point, more of a practical decision. However, within a year, something clicked. I realised I genuinely loved the work (and, surprisingly, the learning that came with it).
Eager to build my knowledge, I moved into a hospital setting on an acute medical ward. It was there I met a newly qualified Nurse whose passion and positivity were completely infectious. She had such a profound impact on me that I thought, “Why not me?” a decision that would shape the rest of my career.
Education, setbacks and staying in healthcare
I went on to complete an NVQ in Health and Social Care and secured a place on the Project 2000 programme at the University of Nottingham. Unfortunately, life had other plans. Nine months in, with a house move, my husband and two young children, and childcare that suddenly disappeared (as childcare often does, at the worst possible moment), I had to defer my course and focus on my family.
Still determined to stay in healthcare, I took on a part-time role as a Healthcare Assistant in a GP practice—becoming their very first in 2003. Over time, I worked my way up through a series of courses (one at a time, because apparently, I like a challenge), eventually progressing to Assistant Practitioner.
Life changes and returning to education
In 2014, my life took a very serious turn when I became a survivor of domestic violence and divorce. Looking back, this experience changed my trajectory completely. It strengthened my determination and led me to make a decision I had put on hold for years: to return to education and finally become a Nurse. This time, as a single mother of three, because doing things the easy way has never really been my style.
By 2016, I was back in the classroom, studying GCSE English and Maths at night school while working and raising my children. From there, I completed an Access to Higher Education course, juggling responsibilities in a way that, in hindsight, probably deserved its own qualification.
Training as a Nurse during challenging times
In 2019, at the age of 44, I returned to the University of Nottingham to begin the Future Nurse programme. It didn’t take long to realise something wasn’t quite right academically. After some assessments, I was diagnosed with dyslexia. While the support I received was excellent, I still felt there was more to it. After a bit of determined research (and a few moments of wondering if it was just me), I discovered with my doctor’s help that I was also going through menopause. As it turns out, “brain fog” is not ideal when you’re trying to revise for exams or remember literally anything from a lecture and then COVID hit, to add to the mix.
Then, in 2021 during my third year, I experienced one of the most difficult times in my life when my father suffered a fatal stroke and entered end-of-life care. Just six weeks later, I began my management placement at Hayward House. It was an incredibly emotional and challenging period, but with the support of my colleagues and university, I completed the placement. Despite everything, it became a time where I also found a sense of calm and purpose.
Qualifying and finding my place in general practice
In 2022, I graduated with First Class Honours, something I’m still quietly proud of (and occasionally remind my children about). I secured a role as a Community Nurse, but shortly afterwards received a call from the GP practice where I had previously worked. They offered me a position as a Practice Nurse, my dream job. Needless to say, I didn’t hesitate.
I started the role and immediately enrolled on the General Practice Nurse (GPN) Postgraduate Certificate, which I completed in 2023. Around the same time, our nursing team began to shrink due to retirement and ill health. As a newly qualified Nurse in a very busy practice with fewer hands-on deck, I stepped into the Deputy Lead role. Like most Nurses, I adopted the classic approach: get on with it, support each other, and drinking coffee like it’s water.
Stepping into leadership
By 2024, I became Lead Practice Nurse. I now lead a team of five nurses and take great pride in mentoring colleagues at different stages of their careers, supporting them through the same journey I once navigated myself.
Looking ahead
My path into nursing hasn’t been straightforward, but I wouldn’t change it. Every challenge, whether personal, academic, or professional, has shaped who I am today. It has made me more resilient, more empathetic, and deeply appreciative of both my colleagues and the patients we care for.
And because I clearly haven’t had enough of studying yet, I’m now preparing to take the next step by applying for my prescribing qualification.
Sarah
This case study is just one example of the impactful and inspiring work being led by General Practice Nurses across our region.
If you’re looking to develop your skills, explore new areas of practice, or connect with peers across primary care, there are a range of resources and development opportunities available to support your journey.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to progress further in your career, support is available to help you grow and thrive in General Practice Nursing.
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