Esther
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health), 2021
From a career of accounting in her home country of Nigeria, Esther’s journey led her to the UK and Bradford where she studied BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health). Thanks to her own lived experiences, she found her passion in caring for others and today she’s making a difference in the lives of people affected by psychosis.
This is her story.
I chose the University of Bradford because its values matched mine, and I knew it was the right decision.
Finding purpose in healthcare after accounting
“I never imagined I would one day be working as a nurse.”
"I originally trained as an accountant in Nigeria before moving to the UK over 20 years ago. Adjusting to life in a new country was challenging, and I took a career break to focus on my family.
"However, moving to the UK meant I could no longer practise accounting without requalifying, and over time, my life circumstances changed. I started working in mental health hospitals and in the community as a healthcare assistant and support worker. I realised how much I loved being in a role where I could support people through difficult times.
"My decision to go into healthcare was deeply personal. When my first child was diagnosed with autism, I struggled to navigate the system and find the right support. As I attended appointments with my son, I was deeply inspired by the clinicians I met. They were people who genuinely cared about supporting children like mine.
"That’s when I knew I wanted to work in healthcare."
Clinical placements helped me understand what kind of nurse I wanted to be.
Combining theory and practice
“Placements were a highlight of my degree because they allowed me to put theory into practice.”
"My degree was both challenging and rewarding. Nursing is unlike other university courses because 50% of the time is spent in academic study and 50% in clinical placements. Balancing the two can be difficult, but Bradford provided fantastic support, making it easier to navigate.
"In my first year we focused on the fundamentals of nursing, including the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Conduct, ethics, and core nursing skills like physical health checks. Even though I was interested in mental health, I gained valuable experience in a variety of fields, making me a well-rounded practitioner. By second year, I specialised more in my chosen field, taking on placements that shaped my future career."
At Bradford, I felt part of a cutting-edge and innovative programme.
Embracing innovation
"One of my standout experiences of my time at Bradford was witnessing the University's commitment to continuous improvement."
"The University constantly evolves its courses, taking on feedback to improve the learning experience. Seeing how today’s students study differently from when I was there proves that Bradford focuses on innovation and improvement."
From carer to navigator
“Having been a carer myself, I know how vulnerable it can feel to support a loved one with complex needs.”
"I graduated in 2021, after studying through the challenges of COVID-19. I initially thought I would go into ward-based nursing, but an unexpected opportunity in community mental health changed my path.
"Today, I work for Bradford District Care Trust (NHS) in the Early Intervention in Psychosis Team. This is a specialist service supporting individuals experiencing psychosis.
"My role has evolved significantly. I started as a Recovery Coordinator and have now progressed to a Care Navigator, taking on more responsibilities.
"Having been a carer myself, I know how vulnerable it can feel to support a loved one with complex needs. That’s why I’m passionate about helping others access the right support - both for themselves and for their family members through provisions of family intervention/sessions."
Impacting mental health services
“Whatever path I take, my ultimate goal is to continue making a meaningful impact in mental health services.”
"The field of mental health nursing is vast, and I'm excited about the many opportunities available. I'm particularly interested in pursuing a Master’s degree, though I want to be careful when choosing the right specialism.
"My work could lead to multiple pathways, including prescriber training, psychological interventions, and public health."
Empowering student success
“During my time at Bradford, I was passionate about mentoring and advocacy.”
"I joined the Peer Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS), where higher learning students mentor first-year students. This was a lifeline for me in my first year, so I wanted to give back and support others and I signed up as a mentor/PALS leader in my final year. I also became a Nursing Ambassador; visiting schools to inspire students to consider nursing careers.
"Nursing is often misunderstood, and I enjoyed breaking stereotypes and highlighting that men, women, and people from all backgrounds can thrive in the field. Even now in my current role, I supervise and assess student nurses, helping them to build confidence and develop clinical skills."
I’m incredibly grateful for my time at Bradford, not just for the education but for the inclusive and supportive community.
Thriving with Bradford's support
"The University is incredibly welcoming and I immediately felt at home."
"As a mature student and non-native English speaker, I was initially worried about returning to academic life. But Bradford provided fantastic support, including essay-writing seminars, referencing, and academic skills workshops which boosted my confidence. Bradford also recognises students who work hard. I graduated with an award, proving that your background doesn’t define your potential."