Drumquin Mum-of-Three Qualifies as Nurse with First-Class Degree from The Open University

Eight days after giving birth to her youngest child, Lyndsey propped her phone against a box of Farley’s Rusks and logged into her nursing degree interview. 

The 33-year-old from Drumquin, Omagh had three children under four at home and didn’t expect to be accepted. She told herself the interview would simply be good experience.  

Instead, it marked the beginning of a life-changing journey. 

For years, becoming a nurse had felt out of reach. After losing her father at 18 and her mother at 21, hospitals had become a significant part of Lyndsey’s life. Watching nurses care for her parents left a lasting impression and sparked an interest in the profession, but university felt like something other people did. 

Instead, she worked her way up through healthcare roles. Starting as a community carer, Lyndsey quickly discovered she loved supporting patients through hands-on care. She later joined her local Health Trust as a Healthcare Assistant, progressing from Band 2 to Band 3 while developing clinical skills including taking blood, performing ECGs and monitoring patient observations.  

Even as she gained experience on the wards, the ambition to become a nurse never left her. But with a young family, a mortgage and a busy household, returning to study seemed unrealistic. 

Then one comment from a patient changed everything.  

“They said to me, ‘What are you doing? Why are you not going ahead and doing your nursing?’” 

It was the push that she needed.  

Lyndsey applied to study nursing through The Open University after learning about the programme through a roadshow at her Trust. Supported by her employer, she was seconded onto the course, allowing her to earn while she learned. 

When she received an offer of a place on her 29th birthday, the moment was overwhelming. 

“I felt excited, scared and proud all at once,” she says. 

Balancing study with family life required determination and careful planning. Lyndsey treated her study days like workdays, sending the children to the childminder and dedicating the time entirely to reading, assignments and group work.  

“I always tried to stay ahead of my work because with children you never know when someone might be sick or plans might change,” she said.  

She studied whenever she could find time, during work breaks, at the hairdresser’s or anywhere she could carve out an hour to focus. 

There were significant challenges along the way. In her final year, Lyndsey moved house while completing overlapping modules, started a new placement working night shifts, and temporarily had no internet at home.  

To keep up with her assignments, she travelled to a friend’s house to carry out research and finish coursework.  

Giving up was never an option. 

After years of dedication, Lyndsey achieved her goal, qualifying as a Registered Nurse and progressing from Band 3 Healthcare Assistant to Band 5 Staff Nurse. 

The achievement also brought an emotional full-circle moment. Lyndsey now works in the same hospital department where her mother passed away.  

“It feels fitting,” she said. 

Despite the challenges, the experience has been deeply rewarding. 

“I never thought I was smart enough to go to university, never mind graduate with first-class honours,” she says. “I’m immensely proud.” 

Lyndsey credits her husband and family for helping her through the sacrifices involved. Missed evenings, strict routines and years of careful organisation. 

“It really is a family achievement when you complete a course with The Open University,” she reflects. 

Her message to anyone considering returning to education is simple. “If I can do it, you can do it.” 

Lyndsey’s graduation marked the culmination of a journey that began beside a hospital bed and continued thorough years of determination, hard work and belief in herself.