From Healthcare Assistant to Mental Health Nurse: Jonathan’s Determination Leads to First-Class Degree

Jonathan (35), from Belfast, who once believed university was out of reach has graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Mental Health Nursing, proving that determination and the right support, can transform lives. 

Jonathan spent the past 14 years working in mental health services. Starting his career as a nursing assistant, he supported patients through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. But watching nurses lead care and advocate for patients inspired him to aim higher.  

“I loved working in mental health, listening to people’s stories and helping then through difficult times, "Jonathan said. “I saw how nurses were able to offer additional support and guidance. It was never about the pay increase. It was about being that person someone could rely on when they felt hopeless.” 

However, Jonathan had long believed a nursing degree was beyond his reach. At school, he struggled with undiagnosed ADHD and left with just four GCSEs, without English and Maths.  

“For years I believed what I had been told growing up, that I wasn’t smart enough for university,” he says. “I assumed it simply wasn’t an option for me.” 

That perception began to change when he saw colleagues completing their nursing qualifications through The Open University while continuing to work in healthcare. 

Jonathan eventually decided to take a leap of faith and apply. Before starting the degree, he completed additional workplace qualifications, including key skills in Maths and English, which enable him to meet the entry requirements. 

Studying part-time while continuing to work in the NHS allowed Jonathan to pursue his ambition without leaving his job. Through a secondment programme, his studies were funded while he continued working and gaining practical experience in healthcare. "The flexibility was vital,” he says. “It allowed me to build a study routine that worked for me and learn in a way that suited how my brain works.” 

Jonathan often found creative ways to fit study around his busy life. At one point he was working on an assignment while sitting on a plane to Australia, while tutorials were sometimes joined from the passenger seat of a car during journeys across Ireland. During his studies, Jonathan also sought a formal ADHD diagnosis as an adult and began treatment to help manage his symptoms. He credits the support he received from OU staff with helping him build confidence in his academic capabilities. 

“The support team gave me a safe place to talk about what I was finding difficult,” he said. “They helped me realise I wasn’t ‘not smart’, I just learn differently.” 

Despite juggling work and study, Jonathan set himself a personal challenge: to graduate with a First-Class Honours degree. 

“I didn’t need a first to get a job,” he reflects. “But I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.” 

After years of dedication, he achieved that goal. 

Today, Jonathan works as a Band 5 Mental Health Nurse in an inpatient service for older adults. The transition from healthcare assistant to registered nurse became official shortly after his Nursing and Midwifery Council registration was confirmed. 

Reflecting on his journey, Jonathan says the experience has transformed how he sees himself. 

“The degree unlocked confidence in myself that I didn’t know was there,” he said. “For years I believed I wasn’t capable. Now I know I can achieve what I put my mind to,” 

Jonathan hopes his story will encourage others who doubt their won ability to take a chance on higher education. 

“The biggest thing that holds people back is fear. Fear of failure, fear of judgement, fear of not being good enough,” he said. “If you’re thinking about doing it, take the opportunity. You might surprise yourself.”