Why did you decide to study nursing? And why did you pick King’s?
My parents both worked in healthcare. My mother was a nurse and my father was a doctor. They were always keen for me to go into healthcare, but I was originally resistant to this idea. I wanted to take some time out in the working world and explore my options.
At 23, I decided office work wasn’t for me. I started to ask myself whether I’d be any good at nursing. I volunteered in an AIDS orphanage in South Africa for a year. When I came back, I applied for adult nursing at King’s. And while waiting to start, I worked in a homeless hostel in Shepherd’s Bush.
I chose King’s because it’s where my father studied medicine. I did apply for places at other universities, but I knew King’s was where I really wanted to be.
What happened after you finished your undergraduate studies?
I completed my studies and took up a post at Lewisham Hospital, which is where I did my placements as a student. While there, I did a couple of short courses, run by King’s, in emergency nursing and mentorship. Then I went on to do my MSc Healthcare Education in 2012 when I joined as a clinical teacher at King’s.
Can you explain what your masters covered and how it helps you in your current role?
My masters focussed on education. We covered everything from assessments to evidence-based decision making. Some of the modules had a research element, while others focussed mainly on teaching. For my dissertation, I carried out research looking into students’ transition into practice.
I remember the first module was on teaching and learning. I was already working with students, so being able to understand underlying pedagogy and apply it was really helpful. Exploring the theory paired with my enthusiasm helped me make the most of the course – and there are many skills I learnt that I still apply to my teaching today.
Have you always wanted to teach?
I want to support people and help them become the best they can be. I’ve always enjoyed those lightbulb moments when someone masters a new skill.
Working on the frontline as a nurse, you can see the impact you have. But actually, as a lecturer, I’m giving back in a different way and teaching the nurses of the future. And it’s not just in London. I teach healthcare professionals on a masters programme in Somaliland too. I’m also involved with our international projects in Singapore and China.
I’m on the academic education pathway, which focuses on teaching. However, I do have the opportunity to evaluate my teaching and write papers on innovation. I’ve also just finished a book on clinical skills for nursing students which will help our BSc and MSc pre-registration students.
How did you balance postgraduate study with teaching?
When I first started at King’s as a clinical teacher and started my masters, it was very full on. However, my department head made sure I had allocated time to focus on my studies. Because my learning fed into my role, there was a lot of overlap.
Work life balance is a challenge for anyone trying to study and work. You need to remind yourself why you’re doing it – I wanted to become a better teacher. I chose to be a nurse and I always knew that professional development would be important. It’s hard sometimes, but it’s rewarding.
Do you still work in practice alongside working with students?
With being a nurse and an educator, you’re always a nurse first. In the first wave of the pandemic, I prepared professionals to work in the Nightingale Hospital at the ExCel London. My Faculty gave me a secondment so I could do this and now I’m reaching out to be part of the vaccination programme. I still belong to nursing agencies too so I can pick up work when I have time.
What are your goals for the future?
To continue to facilitate learning for the nurses of the future. I also want to do my PhD which will definitely be focused on education. I’d want my research to support pre-registration and post-registration students. But I don’t want to be taken away from teaching at the moment.
I’m a cohort lead of a group of 300 students, as well as the key account manager for Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation Trust. I look after all the students who go on placement there. For me, it’s about finding a way to do my research and education symbiotically.
What does it mean to you to be part of the King’s community?
Service to society is something really important here at King’s. For me, I find it really rewarding being part of the Somaliland partnership. I’m able to help professionals in a country that has experienced civil war for many years. I’m able to help them gain a masters, become better lecturers and more informed healthcare professionals.
Being at an institution that has such a strong reputation has given me opportunities throughout my career too. It’s certainly helped open doors, along with my drive to make a difference.
Do you have any advice for anyone considering nursing?
Nursing is hard. It’s often long shifts, and it can be emotionally draining. You might be caring for someone on the worst day of their life, and it’s so important to know what your coping mechanisms are. There’s a lot of support at King’s – and students only need to ask for it.
There are days that are so challenging. Recently a student emailed me to say she wouldn’t still be on the course if it wasn’t for me. It’s really those rewarding moments that make it all worth it.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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