Navigating Nursing

In this episode Laura interviews Georgie Cox who is an Associate Professor at University of East London. Georgie discusses her career to date and what inspired her to become a nurse. Georgie studied at the University of Westminster and completed a BSc in Physiology and shares how this has shaped has shaped her career. Georgie has worked in education for a number of years and she shares how important supporting students is. She has published a number of articles on hair racism after supporting a student through an incredibly difficult experience and Georgie talks about how this situation was managed and how important it is for us to all call out racism and discrimination.

Georgie recently took part in the 100 Black Women Professors NOW change programme and she talks about how attending this programme has inspired to work towards becoming a Professor in the future. She shares advice for all leaders and aspiring leaders and shares her career aims for the future.

In this episode Laura meets with Tahira Mahmood who is a Bronchiectasis Clinical Nurse Specialist. She discusses her reasons for studying nursing at Bradford University. Tahira worked at Interventional Radiology when she qualified and worked her way up to a band 7. She talks about her experience in mentoring and reverse mentoring and the positive impact this has had on her progression and confidence. Tahira developed a video which was used as part of the international recruitment process, this is available through the link: Interventional Radiology - YouTube

 Tahira discusses her reasons for moving into a new role as a Clinical Nurse Specialist and the challenges of working in a new Trust and being involved in setting up a new service. Tahira is enjoying her role and is splitting her time in working alongside the TB CNS team. She gives advice for anyone interested in being a Clinical Nurse Specialist and shares her career aims.  

In this episode Laura meets with Nathan Askew, a Chief Nurse, AHP and Experience officer. Nathan talks about what led him to apply to be a nurse and why he chose Children's nursing. He gives leadership advice and shares his view that one of the skills of a leader is to bring experts together to share ideas and problem solve.

Nathan discusses his journey through his MSc in Advanced Nursing Practice and gives advice for anyone wishing to study at level 7. He talks about the importance of being flexible when completing post graduate study and how this can help you to develop whilst having a work life balance. Nathan is the Chair of the Association of Children and Young People's nurses, he shares the work he does with this organisation. Nathan also gives advice to anyone in a leadership position or who wishes to apply for one.

In this episode Laura meets with Julie Crane, who is a Senior Lecturer and Founding Director of Mary's Place CIC. Julie has had a varied career, she has worked in General Surgery, as a Clinical Research nurse and a clinical governance facilitator. Julie gives advice for anyone interested in applying for a new role, and the importance of remembering the transferable skills you have.

Julie gives advice for anyone wishing to study at level 7. In her role as a Senior Lecturer Julie teaches Leadership and she discusses how her secondment has changed her as a lecturer and her teaching on the topic of leadership. Julie is the Founding Director of Mary’s Place CIC – which has been established to support newly qualified professionals make the transition from student to professional with greater ease and grace. The first project is supporting nurses, but the constitution for Mary’s Place is newly qualified professionals. Julie finished the episode by discussing her plans for the future.

In this episode Laura meets with Professor Alison Leary MBE. She discusses her transition from being an engineer and apprentice rocket scientist to training as a nurse. Professor Alison compares the similarities between being a scientist and the similarities it has with nursing as in both you are looking at real world issues. Professor Alison talks about her varied career in oncology, from being a Clinical Nurse Specialist, to conducting research and being involved in policy. Laura and Alison talk about myths for newly qualified nurses and how all nurses need to choose their employer carefully. It is important to remember it is a seller's market and don't be afraid to ensure you ask for what you want when looking for a job. Professor Alison gives her advice for nurses interested in research and talks about her work with the National Cancer Action Team. She discusses her work with The Queen's Nursing Institute and shares her plans for the future.

Sally Shearer OBE joins Laura for this episode of the Leadership series. Sally discusses her previous experience as a nursery nurse in a Special Care Baby Unit and what led her to complete her nurse training at the University of Nottingham. Sally discusses her career and her journey as a Director of Nursing at Barts Health and then at Sheffield Children’s as Chief Nurse and Deputy Chief Executive. Sally gives advice for anyone looking at applying for a new role and the positives of moving to a new role in a different area. Sally is a member of a National Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel as a registered children’s nurse. She gives advice for anyone involved in safeguarding and the importance of seeking support and advice. Sally is a mentor for nurses and she finds this enables her to keep her sense of reality. To find out more about the Child Safeguarding review panel: About us - Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)Trigger warning:This episode discusses child safeguarding and caring for patient's who have self harmed

In this episode Laura speaks with Ash Greaves, a Homeless Pathway and Outreach Lead Nurse. Ash talks about what inspired him to become a nurse and the impact of his experiences before he trained as a nurse. Ash has worked with young disadvantaged people, people with disabilities, young people with substance misuse, sexual health, and mental health issues throughout his career. Ash started his nurse training in his mid- twenties and studied at the University of Bradford and he speaks about how his previous jobs have assisted him in his nursing career. Ash discusses the 2 MSc modules in Mental Disorders and Mental Capacity, and Best Interest Assessor course and the impact this had on his career development. Ash discusses his career to date and his current role as the Homeless Pathway and Outreach lead Nurse. Ash provides advice for student nurses and newly qualified nurses. The episode finishes with Ash sharing his career aspirations for the future.

In this episode Laura meets with Emma Firth who is a Regional Primary Care Lead in the North of England. Emma speaks about how she decided to do nursing and how she originally worked on a female surgery and gynaecology ward before working at HMP Wakefield prison as a primary care nurse. Emma discusses how studying her non- medical prescribing has been a pivotal learning moment in her career. Laura and Emma talk about the role of the Professional Nurse Advocate and the impact it can have on the workforce. Emma and Laura debate about the idea of ‘deskilling’ and how all nurse’s competence develops and involves over time depending on their current role and experience. Emma gives advice for newly qualified nurses and students and also outlines her career plans for the future.

In this episode Laura talks with Kat Cheng who is a Teaching Associate, Fellow of the high education academy, Adult nurse and Health Visitor. Kat discusses the impact working on a Mercy ship had on her desire to study nursing. Kat talks about how a placement during her Adult Nursing degree led to her wanting to pursue a career as a Health Visitor. Kat has gone on to work in academia and is currently a Teaching Associate at the University of Nottingham. Kat is also completing a Post Graduate Certificate in Higher education and has also completed a MSc in Public Health. Kat discusses the reason for studying a MSc in Public health. Kat gives advice for anyone wishing to complete a MSc or who wishes to train to become a Health Visitor. Kat is a Deputy Safeguarding Lead for the School of Health Sciences at the university and she discusses how she has developed her knowledge and skills in managing safeguarding situations. Kat is passionate in Public Health and health promotion and this is evident through the advice she gives to students and qualified staff within this episode.

Laura is joined today by Dr Joan Myers, an independent consultant. Dr Joan Myers OBE is a multi- award winning nurse and received an OBE for her services to children and nursing in 2013. She is a Queen's Nurse and was awarded an honorary doctorate by Middlesex University. Dr Joan discusses her passion for helping people at a young age and her journey into nursing. Dr Joan speaks about her training and development throughout her career and gives advice for anyone facing challenges with their managers. She gives leadership advice for all nurses and students, and discussed the importance of role models and mentors. Dr Joan Myers' passion for career development and supportive learning environments shines through in the advice she gives. Trigger warning: discrimination, racism and ageism are discussed within this episode. This webpage gives support and advice: Support if you have experienced racism or discrimination | The King's Fund (kingsfund.org.uk)