International Nurses' Day

What inspired you to join the nursing workforce?

I wanted to join the nursing workforce so I could make a difference each day by caring for people. Showing compassion and kindness to patients and families in their time of need with the treatment I provide is a very rewarding experience. - Miles Cooper, Registered Nursing Associate, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust

I wanted a career where I could help heal and empower people. As a mental health nursing student it is a privilege to witness growth of patients and this fuels my passion to make a positive impact. - Abdulasis Mohammed, third year mental health nursing student, Middlesex University 

My mum was my biggest inspiration in becoming a mental health nurse. She had a career change and started her degree whilst I was in secondary school. I always knew I wanted a job where I could make a difference to someone's life; it is a privilege to support and care for people throughout their darkest, most vulnerable moment. - Bryony Prentice, mental health registered nurse degree apprenticeship student, Canterbury Christ Church University

I knew I wanted to work in mental health for years, however it wasn't until my grandad was ill and I saw the compassion, care and passion from the nurses looking after him. That's when I knew that nursing was for me. - Tanisha Wynter, third year mental health nursing student, Middlesex University

The pandemic forced me to reflect on what was important and for the first time in my adult life. I found myself overwhelmed with purpose, and I realised what a responsibility I had to step up and re-train. - Natasha Evans, child nursing student, University of Winchester

My desire to become a nurse was influenced by my early experience caring for my grandmother without training and facilities at the age of 12. Since then, I have developed a strong desire to become a qualified nurse to help others in her situation to make a difference. - Banjo Tamiru, final year nursing student, University of East London.

Seeing and receiving compassionate, empathetic and kind care from nurses inspired me to train as a nurse.  I love the combination of working with a team, caring holistically for so many different people and the science behind much of modern healthcare.  What continues to inspire me is the staff I work with who share knowledge so enthusiastically so that I can grow as a student and then can better support and care for patients. Patients are a huge inspiration to me, it is an honour knowing patients trust you to care for them, and to be able to be a small part of providing compassionate care is a privilege. Every patient and family is unique and I learn from each of them. - Rachel Connolly, third year adult nursing student, University of Surrey.

 I am definitely a people person and was drawn to nursing as I wanted to make a difference and as nurses we can do that every day for those we care for, our students and learners and our colleagues. 42 years on, I remain a proud nurse. - Liz Fenton OBE, Deputy Chief Nurse, NHSE workforce, training and education

Seeing several family members working in the nursing profession and the unique opportunity nursing provides to make a difference in someone's life inspired me to join the profession.  - Andrea Boland, Regional Head of Nursing and Midwifery, NHSE workforce, training and education

I was inspired by seeing nurses who cared for patients, their families and carers. Nurses' who would ask about the person and their circumstances. Nurses care for the whole of the person and their situation. It was this holistic view of the person and their care which drew me into nursing. - Ellie Gordon, Senior Nurse, autism, learning disability and mental health, NHSE workforce, training and education

The opportunity to empower and support individuals and communities to optimise their health and wellbeing. - Emma Dillon, East of England Deputy Lead autism, learning disability and mental health nursing, NHSE workforce, training and education.

I was inspired to join the nursing workforce in 1986 after doing works experience in my local geriatric unit. The experience gave me real insight into the role of the nurse. - Carol Love-Mecrow, Midlands Regional Head of Nursing and Midwifery, NHSE workforce, training and education. 

I was inspired to be a nurse because I learned from an early age that there is dignity and grace in providing care that meets the needs of service users or patients. This aligns with my values of kindness, compassion, empathy and courage as an advocate for others. - Nichole McIntosh, London Regional Head of Nursing and Midwifery, NHSE workforce, training and education.

Nursing for me is the perfect combination of art and science. Caring for someone and concurrently understanding how their body works and responds to treatments and therapies. It’s the satisfaction in making a positive contribution to someone’s life. - Danielle Fullwood, Senior Nurse, professional development, NHSE

I became a nurse to make a difference and be the best version of myself. I thought it would something I’d do for a short while after I left the forces, however, nearly 30 years later I couldn’t have dreamt of a more fulfilling or rewarding career. It is a privilege to belong to a profession that is able to make such a positive difference. - Christian Brailsford, south west Regional Head of Nursing and Midwifery NHSE workforce, training and education. 

Working with people with a shared passion and purpose is what inspired me to become a nurse. - Dr Rachel Tims, south west Senior Workforce Lead, Nursing and Midwifery, NHSE workforce, training and education. 

Supporting young people to develop self-confidence in managing their condition. Knowing you've played a small part in them living a happy and healthy life is just so rewarding! - Lucy Duncombe, south west Senior Workforce Lead, Nursing and Midwifery, NHSE workforce, training and education.