Rachel Ohene-Adjei has achieved what many thought was impossible – graduating with a nursing degree at 44 years old, all while raising three children and navigating a personal tragedy. Her late husband Eric's seven-week battle with Covid-19 in intensive care at the University Hospital of Wales (UHW) sparked an unshakeable resolve within Rachel to pursue a career in nursing.
After her husband passed away in April 2021, Rachel embarked on a demanding academic journey, starting with GCSEs in Maths and English, subjects she had initially struggled with. This led to an access course in nursing, culminating in a university nursing degree that she proudly completed last week. Despite the personal challenges of juggling studies with childcare and experiencing 'all-nighters' to keep up with coursework, Rachel remained steadfast in her commitment, driven by her desire to help others and set a good example for her family.
The timing of her graduation coincides with a challenging period for new nursing graduates seeking employment within the NHS. According to Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), nearly 400 nursing and midwifery graduates were still without NHS positions after the initial round of job matching last month. Rachel was among those unsuccessful in the first round but remains optimistic, having since applied for three new roles.
Rachel's determination is unwavering: "I won't give up. I have to be a nurse. I've worked too hard to show my children that anything's possible. So, I will get a job." Her journey highlights the profound impact of personal experience on career choices and the resilience required to navigate significant life changes while pursuing professional goals.
The situation faced by Rachel and many other new graduates underscores broader recruitment challenges within the NHS. While the health service consistently requires new talent, entry-level positions can be scarce, leading to competitive job markets for newly qualified professionals. This can be disheartening for individuals who have dedicated years to rigorous training, often at great personal sacrifice, to join a profession vital to public health.
The UK continues to face ongoing pressures on its healthcare workforce, with nursing vacancies remaining a significant concern in many areas. NHS data shows that the overall vacancy rate for nurses and midwives across the UK has seen fluctuations, but demand often outstrips immediate availability of roles for new graduates in specific trusts or regions. Rachel's story is a testament to the dedication of those entering the profession, and her perseverance will hopefully see her contribute to patient care soon.