A WOMAN who survived a traumatic car crash is aiming to become a psychologist – while working nights at a hospital and caring for her two young daughters.

Kat Stanislawek’s neck was broken in four places in the accident.

But after six months in hospital, the 38-year-old from Five Ways in Brighton decided to live life to the full.

Now, she is unstoppable.

While recovering from the crash four years ago, she made a promise to herself to pack as much as possible into each day.

“While this experience was very traumatic, it made me appreciate my life and seek more fulfilment out of it,” she said.

“The accident was a cruel reminder of how short life can be and I decided there was no time like the present to pursue my dreams.”

So now, while cooking dinner for her daughters, 11-year-old Olivia and eight-year-old Emily, she listens to online lectures for her degree.

She even manages to fit in painting and photography, before heading for A&E night shifts at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton where she is a healthcare assistant.

She is doing her degree with Arden, a private online university, and said distance learning has meant she can juggle working nights in A&E with her studies and being a mother.

“I am very proud of myself for where I have come so far,” she said. “But I know it may take me some time to get to where I want to be in psychology.”

She is doing the best she can working though the pandemic, studying a subject she loves and making sure her girls are her top priority.

She manages by being flexible and finding time for the things she loves.

“I’ve just built up a routine,” she said. ““I realised I couldn’t be in two places at once, so I cut down on my hours and I’m only doing two or three nights a week in A&E now.

“Before lockdown I had a nanny to help look after the kids in the morning and I study whenever I can.

“I’ve got two children to look after and exams coming up but I actually don’t feel overly stressed.

“I can manage by tweaking the times I do things. And I meditate to keep a cool head.”

Kat has worked at the hospital for ten years and has never been so busy.

She said: “During the pandemic it’s been difficult but the team have been outstanding.

“We’re all wearing masks and protective gear and helping each other out. I can’t praise my colleagues enough.

“We’re rushed off our feet at the moment – but who isn’t?”