Bexs Owen: Why I’ll Never Stop Caring - My Nursing Story

We love shining a light on real people doing real things. People who prove that determination, kindness, and self-belief can take you anywhere you want to go. We’re over the mooooon to share the story of Bexs Owen, a woman whose nursing journey is packed with heart, strength, and some seriously inspiring lessons.

If you’d told 19-year-old me that I’d one day be a Registered Nurse working in palliative care, I don’t think I’d have believed you.

Back then, I was fresh out of school, unsure of what I wanted from life, and honestly, pretty nervous. My first step into healthcare was at a residential home in Laxey, working as a Health Care Assistant. I had no idea if I’d even like the job, or if I’d stick it out, but I knew two things for sure: I’ve always had a caring streak, and I’ve never been afraid of hard work.

And my goodness, did I fall in love with it! I loved helping the elderly, providing both practical and psychological care, and being their advocate. It felt natural to me, and the more I did it, the more I knew this was where I wanted to be.

After a few years, I realised I wanted to take the next step and become a Registered Nurse. I applied for the pre-registration degree in adult nursing, and I’ll be honest, the first time I didn’t get a place. 

But if there’s one thing about me, it’s that once I set my mind to something, I give it everything.

So, I decided to broaden my experience and explore different areas of care. I volunteered at Hospice Isle of Man as a bedroom volunteer, joined their bank staff as a Health Care Assistant, and secured a role at Nobles Hospital in the stroke unit. Each step taught me something new, and after about 18 months, I applied again for the nursing degree.

I’ll never forget the day I found out. I was standing in my kitchen, letter in hand, heart pounding. And there it was: I’d been accepted. I was officially starting the next chapter of my journey!

The three years I spent as a student nurse were some of the hardest but most rewarding years of my life. I studied alongside some true trailblazers, people who inspired me then and still inspire me now.

Once I qualified, I knew exactly where I wanted to be: Hospice Isle of Man. I’d always felt drawn to palliative care, and there’s no greater privilege for me than caring for someone as they face a life-limiting diagnosis or supporting a family at the end of a loved one’s life. That’s where I wanted to be, help and thrive. 

A few years later, I stepped into a Senior Registered Nurse role at Hospice. This position allowed me to grow both clinically and as a leader. I worked on my postgrad diploma in palliative care and palliative medicine through Newcastle University which was another learning curve, but one I embraced with open arms.

And in 2024, another exciting door opened: I moved into an education role at Hospice. It’s the perfect balance. I get to continue caring for patients and their families, but I also help develop our clinical staff and share my passion for palliative and end-of-life care beyond our walls. Every day I learn something new, and I absolutely love it.

But my journey hasn’t been without its challenges. I have dyslexia and dyspraxia, which definitely add a layer of complexity, both in work and in life. But these don’t define me — in fact, they’ve taught me to think outside the box and find creative ways to succeed. 

I’m lucky to be surrounded by an amazing support system: family, friends, and brilliant colleagues who always have my back.

I’ve also faced personal heartache along the way. Just before starting my nurse training, I lost my grandmother to cancer. My father was diagnosed with a brain tumour and my grandfather with dementia, both of whom sadly died during my training. My godmother was also taken too soon by cancer. Watching them all face these illnesses, and seeing the care and compassion offered by the healthcare professionals around them, shaped the nurse I am today. It reminded me of why this work matters so much.

I’ve also seen the power of strength and kindness through my mum, who lives with multiple sclerosis. Watching her determination, paired with the care and support she’s received, has only deepened my respect for the role we play as healthcare professionals.

I often say this: you can do anything you put your mind to, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Never give up on the thing you love, even when it gets tough.

I’ve been lucky to meet so many strong, intelligent women along the way who’ve guided and supported me. There are too many to name (it could fill books!), but I carry each of them with me, past and present.

As for my goals? Simple: work hard, keep growing, and be the best version of myself, every single day.

Being a nurse isn’t just what I do, it’s part of who I am. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. ❤️

Real success is about more than job titles or milestones, it’s about passion, perseverance and the people who shape us along the way. Bexs’ story is a perfect reminder that even when life throws challenges your way, heart and determination can take you further than you ever imagined.

Thanks for sharing your journey with us Bexs, and for inspiring the next generation of carers, dreamers and doers.