- Bolton nurse Lindsay O’Malley shares her career journey to mark International Women’s Day
- Lindsay decided to train to become a nurse after years of working in corporate sales
- She says the care she received during her breast cancer treatment inspired her
A Bolton nurse who switched from the corporate sales world to provide life-changing care for patients is sharing her career journey to mark International Women’s Day 2026.
Lindsay O’Malley has spent her professional career working in the commercial industry sector as a sales executive whilst being a foster carer providing homes for children within care. She was then unfortunately made redundant during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
Having experienced the care and compassion from NHS staff after her breast cancer diagnosis in 2010, Lindsay considered nursing a worthy career, and following her redundancy decided to take steps to start something new.
“I thought my time had passed because of my age, being married, and having had children. But the pandemic in fact opened up the doors and after researching nursing courses I applied to the University of Bolton. To my surprise I was interviewed and offered a position.”
Lindsay’s first placement at Royal Bolton Hospital was on Ward C3:
“After my first week I went home and cried because I thought ‘wow, this was the career I never knew I needed’ – and the rest is history, here I am today.
“It was scary and daunting to make such career change and being open to learning new skills, especially going to university and into the hospital environment, because you feel like you’re a huge imposter alongside so many wonderful and experienced nurses. But I was thoroughly supported the whole time through every step of the journey.”
After completing her training, Lindsay became a qualified Staff Nurse in October 2024, working on the hospital’s male respiratory ward, D3.
“I feel proud to be a nurse in Bolton, although it’s difficult to pinpoint just one reason, as there are many, however, to have patients who you have assisted in their care and treatment who are then well enough to return home, seeing them smile and pass on a thanks is very rewarding, we too can go home knowing we have made a difference.
“It is important to me to look after our patients with compassion and kindness as it can be easy to forget or not understand the frustrations when we are unable to look after ourselves and do the everyday basics.”
“Royal Bolton has a wonderful family feel. I always felt very comfortable here as a patient – and now just as comfortable as a member of staff. Everyone is helpful, friendly, supportive and genuinely happy to chat with you.
“My experience as a patient has helped to shape the nurse I am today. It was a very difficult journey to have experienced, however, I look back on that journey with a smile due to the care and attention I received and how well I was cared for.
“It is difficult to be a patient, lying in a hospital bed – having lost your independence – it is overwhelming and daunting. To have an understanding of how our patients feel, it is a privilege to be able to nurse and help them through their time in Royal Bolton Hospital.”
Recognising the importance of compassionate care for not just patients but their families too, Lindsay lead the creation of a bereavement room on the ward, known as the Butterfly Room.
“Our end goal is to help a patient and see them go home with their family. When unfortunately a patient is end of life, we need to be able to support the patient and their family in a careful and dignified way. We wanted to offer them somewhere to come and take time away from the ward in a tranquil, comfortable environment. We want them to feel looked after and not just another bed or patient number.”
‘If you enjoy helping others – then this is for you’
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Give To Gain’, emphasising the power of reciprocity and support. Whether that’s through donations, knowledge, resources, education, training, or mentoring to contribute to women’s advancement for a more supportive and interconnected world.
Having enjoyed her own learning and upskilling experience through training to become a nurse, Lindsay is passionate about supporting other women who are looking to kick start their career in the NHS.
“If you are genuinely a caring and compassionate person, that’s something that cannot be taught. If you know how to love and look after people then you’re 90% of the way there. You will require clinical training, which comes through the university course. If you enjoy helping others – then this is for you.
“At times, being a nurse can be very challenging, there are many different emotions and health conditions we are assisting with and treating. There is a lot expected of us, but every nurse I have encountered enjoys and loves their job and wants to help others.
“I would rather try something and fail than never try and regret it.
“My key piece of advice is not to run before you’ve learned to walk. Take it in stages, be organised in your studies and seek out every learning opportunity. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and was a boost to my confidence.
“It’s one of the hardest jobs I have ever had, but it’s the job that allows me to go home with the biggest smile on my face.”
