From family members to colleagues and mentors, these 5 nursing staff share the amazing individuals who moved them to give their all to the profession. Here are their stories of inspiration.
‘Her principle of striving to be a leader among peers sticks with me’
“My Auntie Stephanie was a nurse for more than 40 years, working at the same site from her teenage training until retirement. Passionate about her vocation, standards of nursing care, colleagues’ wellbeing and supporting nursing workers to progress, her principle of striving to be a leader among peers, not a follower, sticks with me.
“I decided on the career change of adult nursing in 2020, and I was supported by my mother-in-law, Sylvia, an oncology nurse for more than 35 years who more recently dedicates her expertise to clinical education.
“As a senior sister and mentor, Sylvia has been instrumental in working towards better outcomes for the Black community. She often speaks at events and shares information to connect nurses, whilst focusing on care, kindness and compassion with her patients.”
‘She prompted me to step out of my comfort zone’
“Many people have inspired me throughout my career, but none as deeply as my mentor Estephanie Dunn, while she was Regional Director of RCN North West. Believing in student nurses, the welfare of nursing staff and quality patient care, she’s always encouraged me to move forward. Her unwavering faith in my abilities and constant support have shaped me into the nurse I am and will become.
- Listen next: Explore episodes of the RCN’s Nursing Whilst Black podcast series
“Estephanie’s perseverance in the face of adversity inspired me to emulate her and strive for excellence in my own practice. She prompted me to step out of my comfort zone, take on new challenges, and push myself to reach my full potential, evolving as a nurse.
“Through her mentorship, I learned the importance of advocating for yourself and others, and not settling for mediocrity. Estephanie instilled in me a sense of pride in my work, and her wisdom has shaped my approach to life as well as nursing.”
‘When she was on shift, everyone straightened up’
“I’m the nurse I am today because of Abigail, who was a senior nurse when I was a health care assistant. Her meticulousness was exemplary – when she was on shift, everyone straightened up because of how perfectly she ensured everything was done.”
‘I started to share with my colleagues how important it is to me to have a more diverse community’
“My preceptorship as an internationally educated nurse was running during Holy Ramadan, the fasting month for Muslims. One of my lecturers, a practice educator matron, encouraged me and my colleagues to take our breaks outside the room, giving us advice that really touched our hearts.
“She wasn’t a Muslim, but showed such openness and inclusion that I started to share with my colleagues how important it is to me to have a more diverse community.”
‘Many Black nurses will attest to her positive contribution to their careers’
“Dr Nola Ishmael OBE was the first Black nursing director in London, retiring in 2012.
“Nola agreed to mentor me, and we met regularly at what’s now the Department of Health and Social Care. She wouldn’t tolerate moaning or self-pity. She’d ask: ‘Lola, what is the solution?’
“She helped develop my confidence and a belief that I can achieve anything if I work towards a goal, not allowing obstacles or fear to deter my ambition and desire to progress within nursing. I'll always appreciate Nola’s lifetime commitment to nursing – especially to Black nurses, many of whom will attest to her positive contribution to their careers.”
More information
- Hear some key nursing voices of the Windrush generation.
- Read our profile of Daphne Steele, the NHS’s first Black matron.
- Find out how the RCN is celebrating Black History Month.
