Samantha grew up in Nelson, a little town near Caerphilly in South Wales - where she spent most of her childhood, and even now still calls home. For Samantha, Nelson has always felt like home, where her roots are, and where she wanted to raise her daughter - surrounded by the community and culture that meant so much to her when she was younger.
Samantha says:
“I didn’t come into nursing straight out of school or even in my twenties. In fact, I only started my nursing journey at the age of 38, making me what people often call a “mature student”. For me, the decision to go into nursing was shaped by personal experiences, and in many ways, life changing.
“The turning point came after I had my daughter. Her birth was quite traumatic, and the recovery afterwards was difficult too. During that time, what stood out most to me was the care and support I received from the nurses around me. Their compassion, patience and kindness made all the difference in those first six months of her life.
“I remember being less focused on myself and more fascinated by what the nurses were doing. I found myself constantly asking questions, watching them carefully, and thinking about how incredible it would be to do what they were doing.
“Nursing wasn’t completely new to me as an idea as my mother has been a nurse for more than 20 years. She started her career in Accident & Emergency and has worked in several areas since then. Growing up, I’d see first-hand the challenges of nursing, but also the pride and purpose that came with it. I always admired her, but for years I lacked the confidence to take that step myself.
“I started my professional career by working for 17 years in a very busy, high-level role, as head of a call centre. The job took me across the country, managing large teams and juggling heavy responsibilities. It was a career I was proud of, but as my family grew, I realised it no longer fitted the life I wanted. The constant travel and stress were not sustainable alongside raising a child.
“Everything changed when my grandmother became ill. She was diagnosed with cancer and suffered a fall that made her final months very difficult. She wanted to spend the last weeks of her life at home, and as a family we made sure that happened. My mum, auntie and I cared for her ourselves without outside carers coming in. It was a tough time, but it was also the moment when I realised I had the ability and the desire to care for people in a professional way. That experience made everything click into place. I knew, without a doubt, that nursing was what I was meant to do.
“With encouragement from my mother, who reminded me that I’d always been someone who cared deeply for others, I decided to return to higher education to begin a new career. It was daunting at first as I’d been out of education for a long time, and I knew balancing study with family life wouldn’t be easy. But I took the step of completing an access course before applying for university.
“I chose to study nursing at the University of South Wales, which was close to home and felt like the right fit for me and my family. My mother had studied there years earlier and had always spoken highly of her experience. From my very first open day, I felt welcomed by the staff. The facilities, especially the simulation center, impressed me straight away, and I knew it was the right place for me to train.
“Starting the degree was a leap into the unknown. I had only a few months’ experience as a healthcare support worker before my first placement, so in many ways I felt like I was starting from scratch. My first placement was in the community which was challenging with so little previous experience, but it gave me resilience and showed me just how important adaptability is in nursing. Later placements in hospital settings felt more comfortable, and with each experience I grew more confident.
“From early on, I knew I needed a role that would challenge me. Having come from such a demanding job in the past, I was used to thinking on my feet, working under pressure, and problem solving constantly. Ward work was rewarding, but I found myself wanting something faster paced.
“When I stepped into A&E at the end of my second year placement, it felt like I’d found where I belonged. The pace, the teamwork, the variety - it all suited me perfectly. My supervisors even said, ‘You really thrive here.’ That gave me all the confirmation I needed.
“At the end of year 3 during my management placement, I was offered my dream role: a newly qualified nurse position in A&E at Prince Charles Hospital. I felt fully supported in applying, and I’m over the moon to be starting my career in the area I feel most passionate about.
“Volunteering has also been an important part of my journey. I have trained as a community first responder, which meant attending local emergencies when I was available. The role has been incredibly rewarding, both in giving me real-life experience of urgent care and in allowing me to give something back to my community. People have recognised me and thanked me for being there for their loved ones, which was both humbling and motivating.
“Balancing nursing studies with family life has not been without its challenges. My daughter loves her after-school clubs and took part in activities daily. never wanted to say no to her passions, but it meant time management became absolutely critical. Nursing is a full-time degree, with assignment after assignment, placement after placement, and the only way to cope is to stay organised and plan ahead. That’s the advice I always give to new students: start everything early, don’t fall behind, and ask for help when you need it.
“I also learned that self-care matters. Over the past few years, I’ve lost eight stone (50kg), taken up Latin and ballroom dancing and found joy in simple hobbies like walking the dog and reading. Those things keep me balanced and make me a better nurse.
“I’ve achieved the goals I set for myself: completing my degree with first class honours, secured a role in A&E, and built a life for my family. For now, I just want to gain experience, learn as much as I can, and enjoy this new chapter.
“Looking ahead, I’d like to develop further. My background in management may lead me towards a leadership role, perhaps at Band 6 or 7, or I might return to university for a master’s degree. But I’m also keeping an open mind. Nursing has already taught me that opportunities often appear when you least expect them, and I’m ready to see where the journey takes me.
“What I do know is that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. Living and working in Wales, surrounded by supportive colleagues, friendly communities, and my family close by. I feel very lucky.”