Hi, I’m Kayleigh. I’m a student nurse and the mum of two little whirlwinds, Miles (4) and Lara (2). Depending on who I’m talking to, I lead with nursing or being a toddler mum, but either way, my life right now can be summed up in one word: chaos!
Studying nursing while raising two toddlers and living with (newly diagnosed) ADHD is a constant balancing act. Some days I feel like I’m spinning plates, other days I’m just holding on and hoping nothing falls – and sometimes it does, spectacularly.
Snapshots of Chaos
One week that really sticks in my mind – I had to leave placement to meet Miles and his grandma in urgent care because he was poorly. Picture me, sitting in urgent care in full uniform, trying to be professional while my heart was somewhere else entirely. Then, just a few days later, he was rushed in and admitted to hospital during the night — right before I was due back on placement, lets just say that phone call probably took a lot of mental capacity to understand.
Other chaotic snapshots? I’ll pick up extra shifts to try and get ahead, only to make my weeks even longer. One Friday night I worked a shift, then spent Saturday morning solo managing Lara’s dancing class and Miles’ football, running on zero sleep with two energetic toddlers in tow. Between placement, shifts, and the kids’ activities, I’m also cramming in assignments — and thanks to ADHD, nothing is “necessary” until it suddenly becomes urgent, of course.
Then there are the lighter moments. Miles once asked, “Mum, are you going to help people tonight?” when I left the house at tea time, he assumes if I’m going out the house at this time it’s for a night shift. Lara has started pinching my name badge and caring for her ‘patients’ – an array of dolls and teddy bears. Their little perspectives are hilarious and heartwarming, and they keep me grounded.
Why Nursing?
I have always had a caring nature, to the point where in secondary school and college I was referred to as ‘acting like a mother.’ I can’t deny that I feel compelled to put myself out to look after other people – although sometimes I definitely need to prioritise my own wellbeing. After having Miles, the care I received in hospital, and then again after Lara, really showed me the impact nurses (and other healthcare professionals) can have.
Before having Miles, I lived in Leeds and had a very busy job as an examinations officer and then after relocating. Before having Lara, I worked as a call handler for the ambulance service, taking 111 calls. Whilst I thought this would be a job that I loved, I realised that I was not made to be ‘chained to a desk’ or phone as such. I found sitting at a desk all day a lot more difficult than I care to admit. On reflection, whilst my exams job was an ‘office’ role, it was very diverse and I was rarely ‘chained to a desk’. During my maternity leave with Lara, I decided to just take the leap and apply to study a nursing degree. Luckily, I started my degree without the need for an access course, which would have added an extra year to my studies. I just knew in my gut that nursing was and is the right path for me – it’s a way to channel my caring nature to make a difference in people’s lives.
ADHD: The Chaos and the Superpower
Living with ADHD means I often walk into a room and forget why I’m there, or I open my phone and completely blank on what I needed to do. Frustrating? Absolutely. Funny? Most definitely.
But ADHD also gives me drive, multitasking skills, and an unstoppable “motor” energy. On placement, that means I can get things done efficiently and deliver high-quality, holistic care. At home, it helps me keep up with Miles’ boundless energy and Lara’s endless curiosity — even if it leaves me exhausted at the end of the day.
What Keeps Me Going
When things get tough, I focus on the future: the career I’m building, the life I know we’ll have once I’m qualified, and my kids seeing me show resilience and dedication. I remind myself that nothing is permanent. Tough days pass, chaos doesn’t last forever, and every challenge is just part of the journey.
Advice for Other Mums/Students with ADHD
It’s not easy, but it is so rewarding. Devoting your career to the needs of others is one of the most selfless and fulfilling things you can do. My advice? Give yourself grace, accept the chaos, and remember why you started. The drive and passion you bring — ADHD quirks and all — can become your biggest strengths.
Life as a student nurse, mum of Miles and Lara, and ADHD warrior is messy, exhausting, and beautiful all at once. If you’re walking a similar path, you’re not alone. Keep going, celebrate the small wins, and trust yourself — you’ve got this.
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