WHEN Sam Torgersen rolled her brand new car, she was just 17.
But that terrifying experience – finding herself upside down in a field – became a positive part of the Lincolnshire-raised 27-year-old's life.
She was airlifted to hospital and diagnosed with a broken back.
Having to wear a back brace for three months, she was inspired by the care given to her by the nurses in hospital and immediately set her heart on a career in nursing.
"I was there for ten days and I had to have a brace fitted in order for me to get up and walk. I admired what they did – they were so good, they were lovely. There were really good with going to the toilet and things despite me being embarrassed.
"It could have been a really bad experience for me but it ended up being a positive."
Sam was driving near Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, when the accident happened, and was studying for A-levels at college at the time.
"It was black ice – the first frost of the year. And there were other accidents that morning.
"I can remember it – it was very, very scary. My dad had just bought me a new car and I actually rolled it – I was upside down in a field. You are so disorientated."
But Sam hasn't looked back since. Just six months after the accident she applied to train as a nurse and came to Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre. She has worked in the QMC's accident and emergency department for five years and now holds the title of deputy sister.
"I don't know what else I would do," she said. "It's about the variety and being able to make a difference to people."
Sam is just one of many nurses in Notts who excel in their job.
This week and next, we will be highlighting the work done in our hospitals by telling the stories of our nurses.
The Post's Nurse of the Year competition, which was launched on Monday, aims to reward those who go above and beyond in their roles.
Nomination forms and details of the competition can be found on Page 17 of today's Post.
To nominate click here.