Twin sisters, one purpose: Jessica and Lucy’s journey into nursing

“I loved the patient interaction straight away and realised I wanted to be part of the bigger picture in people’s care,” says Jessica. “Nursing felt like a natural next step.”

“It was being on the wards early on that showed me how rewarding this career could be,” Lucy adds. “I saw how nurses could completely change someone’s experience in hospital, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do too.”

From apprentices to registered nurses, their shared journey has been one of commitment, hard work—and plenty of mutual support. The sisters studied while working, graduated from the University of Derby in 2024, and are now both working in emergency care.

“It’s been a long journey,” says Jessica. “I went straight into the emergency department (ED) after graduating. I haven’t looked back.”

“I started in general medicine to build my foundation,” says Lucy. “Then I joined ED in April 2025. We’ve both worked our way up from the bottom, and that background helps us understand the whole team’s role—not just the nurses’.”

Their bond as twins has given them a unique advantage, especially in a high-pressure environment.

“The pace in ED is relentless,” says Jessica. “You have to think on your feet constantly, and that can be mentally and emotionally draining.”

“The hardest part for me was the transition from student to staff nurse,” Lucy adds. “Suddenly, you’re the one making decisions. It’s empowering but also a bit overwhelming at times.”

The nurses agree on what good care looks like.

“It’s treating every patient as an individual, no matter how busy it gets,” says Jessica. “It’s listening, not just doing.”

“And it’s teamwork,” says Lucy. “Good care doesn’t come from one person—it’s the whole department pulling together and having each other’s backs.”

Even after a tough shift, it’s the difference they make that keeps them going.

“When a patient or their family says thank you, it really hits home,” says Jessica.

“I love the variety,” Lucy adds. “Every day is different, and that keeps me motivated.”

For Jessica and Lucy, International Nurses Day is more than a date in the calendar—it’s a chance to reflect on how far they’ve come together.

“It’s a moment to pause and recognise the impact we make,” says Jessica. “We’re usually too busy to reflect, so having a day that celebrates nursing means a lot.”

“It’s about pride, too,” says Lucy. “We’ve come such a long way since starting as apprentices, and this day reminds us—and others—of the value of what we do.”

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