“You’re never too old” – Karen Leggat on achieving her ambitions
Everyone’s journey into nursing is different, as Karen Leggat’s story shows.
After starting work in care at 19, raising a family and later returning to education, Karen achieved her goal of becoming a nurse at Deveron Way Care Home in Huntly.
“I knew I always wanted to be a nurse,” she says. “Once I started working in care, I knew this was the career for me.”
Her journey wasn’t straightforward. Karen completed an SVQ in Health and Social Care in 2013, but it was only after her youngest child started school that she decided the time was right to pursue nursing.
Because she had been away from education for some time, she first completed an Access to Nursing course through UHI before moving on to Robert Gordon University to study for a Bachelor of Science in Adult Nursing. She graduated in September 2025.
During her studies, Karen joined Deveron Way in May 2023 as a carer before progressing to shift leader. After qualifying, she was offered a permanent nursing role at the home.
“I was over the moon,” she says. “From the beginning of my studies, my end goal was always to work in older adult care, so to land my dream job has definitely been the highlight.”
Balancing university, work and family life was not always easy. “The biggest challenge was studying while looking after children, organising day-to-day life for my family and working at the same time,” she says. “And for some silly reason, we decided to move house in the middle of it all as well! I always say if I can get through all that and still be smiling at the end, I can get through anything.”
Karen credits her family and friends for helping her through the toughest moments, alongside the support she has received from colleagues at Deveron Way.
“I am most proud of the team we have at Deveron Way,” she says. “Being newly qualified, everyone has been so supportive, especially the other nurses and management. The time and patience they have for me is amazing and I really appreciate it.”
Now settled into her nursing role, Karen hopes her story encourages others who may be considering training later in life.
“You are never too old,” she says. “If it’s something you are passionate about, go for it. It will be the best decision you ever make.”
• If you’re inspired by Karen’s story, you can find out more about joining Parklands and view our latest vacancies here>
