Briefly, could you tell us about your time at King’s up to this point?
I started on the Adult Nursing BSc in 2021. The highlight of my first year was working on the 'Towards Health Equity' conference with the LGBT+ society, and subsequently co-writing 'Five Ways for Healthcare Providers and Students to Improve the Trans+ Patient Experience' for the student newsletter.
I then made the move to transfer to the MNurs programme. I became student rep and have taken part in the EDI committee and the Student-Staff Liaison Committee. My placements on the MNurs have included: general medicine, perioperative care, acute inpatient psychiatric, dementia assessment and diagnosis, and sexual health.
During my studies I co-authored 'Exploring perceptions of what increased gender diversity might bring to the nursing profession' with academics and students from KCL and QUB, and 'Clinical Standards for the Sexual Health Management of People Involved in Sex Work' (BASHH, 2022).
You were recently shortlisted for two Student Nursing Times Awards 2024. Could you give us a bit of background about your nominations?
I’ve been shortlisted for Student Nurse or Midwife of the Year: Clinical Research, and the Mary Seacole Award for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion. My journey at King's been a blend of turning theory into action. King's has offered not just education, but an environment that nurtures innovation and social responsibility. I’ve taken every opportunity to make positive contributions to the field as a student and had fun doing it. If you have a passion, or an idea, do it, there’s opportunities out there. And if you’re thinking of entering yourself, or someone else, go for it!
What is your favourite thing about MNurs at King’s?
The small cohort has enabled me to form close bonds with my peers, and lecturers. I've enjoyed the nuanced nature of dual learning and being able to fit both fields of nursing into practice, I’ve been able to add something special to my practice and support patients in a more holistic way.
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
Keep at it! You're doing great, it’s okay to not have all the answers right now. I started my nursing journey at 28; it's been the most rewarding journey I could have imagined, and I still don't have it all figured out yet.... But that's fine! Because nursing comes with so many paths and choices.
What are your hopes for the future?
My hope is to leave a lasting impact in the nursing field, and while the specific path is still unfolding, I find comfort in the certainty that every step I take can make a positive difference for patients and service users.
What do you do with your time outside of your studies?
I like to find time to see friends, eat out at nice places. I also love my job as a health promotion specialist providing targeted care to commercial sex workers, homeless clients, drug users, men who have sex with men, BME communities, and other individuals at higher risk of sexual ill health.
Quick fire…
What’s the first career you dreamed of having as a kid?
I was obsessed with shows like Bones and Criminal Minds. I dreamed of being a forensic scientist... I even did work experience as a mortuary assistant! When I got to college, I did a 180 and pursued arts instead of science.
Who inspires you most and why?
My mum's strength, positive outlook, and passion as a teacher inspire me, while my dad's kindness and selflessness shape my values. The calming influence of my cats serves as a constant reminder to embrace tranquility and peace.
Ideal dinner guest?
I’d love to have my late nan and grandad over for dinner, I have a feeling they’d be very proud.