Beauty therapist turned student nurse encourages others to ‘take the leap’ into nursing
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025
A former beauty therapist has spoken of her excitement at “taking the leap” to embark on a new career as a nurse, as she is currently studying for a degree at Wrexham University.
Sarah Burkhill, who is in the first year of her Adult Nursing degree, has previously worked in beauty therapy and held down roles in hospitality management in spas.
The 36-year-old mum-of-two said she has wanted to retrain as a nurse for a number of years but never felt that the time was right. However, after being made redundant from her previous role, felt that there was no better time.
She said: “Studying nursing has been a long-time ambition of mine but it’s always felt as though the timing wasn’t right for me. Having worked in beauty therapy since leaving school to then go onto having my children, it’s always felt slightly out of reach for me.
“It was only when matters were taken out of my hands, after I was made redundant a couple of years ago, that I thought I need to finally just bite the bullet and apply, or I never will.
“Previously, I had feared taking the steps needed to start my nursing path, whether that was due to the financial security of my job or the fact that I worried about how I’d juggle family life, study and placements.
“Now that I’ve taken the leap, I couldn’t feel more excited to qualify and officially start my career as a nurse. I’m looking forward to being part of a profession, where you know that every time you’re at work, you’re making a difference to the lives of others.”
Sarah, who lives in Mold, said since starting her degree, her outlook on life “has changed for the better”.
“My whole outlook on life has completely changed for the better. Since starting my degree, I feel like I’m a better mum, due to the fact that I feel like studying nursing is teaching me to communicate with others more effectively, as well as be more patient,” she said.
“I also think that despite fearing that I would struggle with being a mature student, actually I feel thankful for my life experience and the fact that I’ve worked in a different profession, where actually those skills are transferable.
“Having previously worked as a beauty therapist, I think I have a more holistic approach towards patient care. Having that approach is about caring for the whole person, factoring in their physical, mental and social needs.”
Another factor in Sarah’s decision to study nursing was a gentle nudge from her mum, Patsy, following on from her lung cancer diagnosis.
She added: “My mum’s diagnosis was another big factor in pushing me to apply to study nursing. Not only did it put things into perspective for me but it was also mum’s words of encouragement that made me realise I’ve got to go for it.
“A comment that really stuck out to me was mum saying that when she was being cared for by the nurses at Glan Clwyd, she could see me in them. That really stopped me in my tracks.”
Sarah said the support she has had from her lecturers has been “incredible”.
She added: “My first year has been wonderful – from my placements to the course itself but also the incredible support I’ve received from my lecturers.
“It’s the best decision I’ve ever made and my only advice to anyone considering a career in nursing is to go for it – apply for the degree and get started on what is an extremely exciting journey.”
Alison Lester-Owen, Principal Lecturer and Professional Lead for Nursing at the St Asaph campus of Wrexham University, added: “Changing careers to undertake a degree in nursing is one of the bravest and most inspiring steps anyone can take, so I’m delighted that Sarah is not only enjoying her experience but is also encouraging others to apply.
“Sarah’s positive and compassionate approach is just one of many factors that will make her an incredible nurse. We are really proud of what she has achieved so far, as we are with all of our student nurses.
“The enthusiasm and dedication of our students is incredibly humbling, and makes me proud to do this job, educating our future nurses and building our local workforce. It really is a great privilege.”