Inspirational Lancing mum completes nursing degree at 41, working with the NHS through the pandemic

Katey Wiseman has qualified as a registered nurse with Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, more than 20 years after she first joined the care provider as a support worker.

She says her achievement demonstrates the value of hard work and determination, and hopes it will inspire others to consider a nursing career with the trust.

Katey said: “I’m so proud and excited and still can’t believe I’ve actually made it.

“I didn’t want to be stuck for the next 30 years with no opportunities. All this work has opened the door to a new world of opportunity for me.

“I also wanted a career so my kids had something to aspire to, so they could see that it doesn’t matter what age you are, that if you want something you can get it.”

She completed a self-funded nursing degree at the University of Brighton and is now part of the trust’s Lancing community nursing team.

Katey began her career aged 19, working with adults with learning disabilities. She left the trust to have children and then worked in social care before returning to the trust in 2014 as a therapy technician with the Shoreham community nursing team.

Encouraged by workmates to follow her dreams, Katey became a healthcare assistant and joined the first regional Care Certificate pilot course.

Already qualified in health and social care, she asked to complete two years of training to be a Band 4 assistant practitioner and passed that in September 2017.

Five months later, Katey enrolled for her degree, which she described as a ‘tough’ mix of academic and practical challenges, including caring for Covid-19 patients at Worthing Hospital.

Due to the pandemic, Katey had to complete some of her learning online and her work placements were affected but she persevered and was rewarded when finally qualified as a registered nurse.

Katey said: “SCFT has been an amazing place to train - so proactive and supportive. The organisation has given me great opportunities and I can’t thank everyone enough.”

She has even inspired her partner to take a university course, in psychology and counselling, and now her daughter wants to do a nursing apprenticeship.

Alison Smith-Robbie, the trust’s lead for practice education, said: “Huge congratulations to Katey. This is fantastic news and we are very pleased and proud of her.

“Katey’s determination, commitment and passion have been rewarded, and her success is well deserved.”