Black History Month 2024: 'Yes You Can' programme

Olajumoke Olagookun is a Clinical Lead for Discharge and Flow at the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB and a bank nurse at NBT.

Participating in the Yes You Can programme last year was a turning point for me. It gave me the opportunity to reflect on my career, realise how far I’ve come, and connect with others on similar journeys. The programme reminded me that nothing is impossible if you have the right mindset and support. As part of Black History Month, I want to share my story and inspire others to pursue their goals, no matter where they start.

From Care Assistant to Team Leader

Fifteen years ago, when I arrived in the UK, I started working in a domestic role. It wasn’t long before I realised, I wanted more and applied for a carer job. I quickly found my passion for caring for people and gained experience working with patients with learning disabilities and mental health needs.

As an agency staff member, I worked in various settings, and eventually, I became a team leader. This was a significant step, as it allowed me to manage staff, administer medications, and run shifts. While I enjoyed the role, I knew I wanted to progress further. I decided to go back to school and pursue a nursing degree.

The Journey to Becoming a Nurse

In 2017, I began my nursing degree, although the journey wasn’t straightforward. I started in Swindon but had to take a six-month break before transferring to the University of West England for my second year. Balancing work, family, and school was tough, but I pushed through. By January 2021, I completed my degree, received my pin, and started working as a Registered Nurse.

After 18 months in the role, I applied for and secured a Band 6 position on my ward. While this was a rewarding role, I wanted more of a challenge. A colleague introduced me to the Aspiring Nurse Leader programme, and it changed my perspective. The programme helped me build confidence, improve my networking skills, and gave me the tools I needed to explore leadership roles. I became interested in addressing hospital discharge delays, a focus that would guide the next steps in my career.

Stepping into Leadership: Complex Discharge and Flow

As part of my final project in the Aspiring Nurse Leader programme, I worked on a project focused on discharge delays. This led me to apply for a temporary role as a Senior Chief Nursing Officer Fellow, which aligned perfectly with my research. What started as a three-month contract turned into nine months of valuable experience. By the end of that period, I was ready to pursue a permanent role.

Now, as Clinical Lead for Complex Discharge and Flow at Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, I manage Pathway 3 beds and care for Neuro patients. In this role, I ensure that funding decisions are made wisely while adhering to policies. I’ve grown more confident in questioning practices and engaging with teams at all levels. My experiences in various care settings have shaped how I approach this work, and I’m proud to continue improving patient care.

The Power of Yes You Can

The Yes You Can initiative was a pivotal experience for me. It gave me the chance to reflect on my journey, connect with others, and be reminded that with hard work and the right support, anything is possible. Hearing the stories of others reinforced the idea that no matter the challenges, we can all reach our potential.

My Advice for Aspiring Leaders:

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone. No matter how busy I am, I always make time for learning and training. Over the years, I’ve registered for leadership courses, expanded my network, and kept pushing myself to grow.

For anyone looking to move into senior positions, my advice is simple: be bold and diligent. There is always room at the top, and if there isn’t, a space will be created for you. Apply for roles, even if you think they’re out of reach, because every experience helps you grow. Keep learning, seek feedback, and don’t be afraid to make changes where needed.

Final Thoughts

Being a nurse means making the world a better place, and I’m proud of the journey I’ve taken. To anyone reading this, I want to remind you to hold your head high and never let anyone tell you otherwise. We all have the potential to achieve greatness, and with the right support and determination, you can reach your goals.

Emerline Albano is a Clinical Matron 

My Career Journey and Educational Background

I qualified as a Nurse in 1996 in the Philippines and have worked in ICU and Surgery.  I first arrived in the UK in 2001 where I worked at NBT for 22 years.  I completed my master’s in nursing administration and Supervision in 2000.

I initially worked as a staff nurse in a Gastroenterology ward and later progressed to a sister role in 2004 and to a senior sister role for complex care Medicine in 2011.  I then became Clinical Matron for Stroke and Neurology in 2020 where the role allowed me to improve and strengthen my leadership and management skills, leading a larger team.

I joined the RUH Bath in 2022-2023 as the Interim Deputy Divisional Director of Nursing for Medicine (external secondment for a year) where I assisted and deputised for the Divisional Director of Nursing. The role enabled me to work in a senior nursing level and has enhanced my understanding about Divisional and Trust Management Team. It gave me the opportunity to be involved in delivering professional and operational leadership of Nursing within the Medicine Division, including implementing, and reviewing strategies for the development of clinical practice and management and quality issues.

What made you choose the area you work in now?

I chose to be a nurse leader as this is vital to help navigate the constant evolution of health care. Not only that I do more than balance costs, monitor productivity, and maintain patient and staff satisfaction. I serve as a role model and influence at all levels. 

The Trust recognised my exceptional leadership when I was awarded a Director of Nursing Inspirational leadership award on the Nurses Day in May 2018 through inspiring, influencing and motivating not only the ward nursing team but the whole multidisciplinary team which has worked together during the very challenging and complex situation.

What qualities are essential in your position?

A nurse leader is defined by their actions, and not always by a position of authority.  Leaders in nursing inspire and influence others to achieve their maximum potential.

Nurse leaders are passionate, dynamic influencers who inspire change in others and, in the process, win the respect and trust of their changes.

What obstacles have you faced and overcome?

My career journey as an overseas nurse was not easy and it took hard work and courage.

What role, if any, do you think that race has played in your career progression?

Throughout my career progression, there are always barriers, it has reduced but have not been removed completely; some of which I would deem as unconscious bias.

Did you have a mentor or role model?

I have been fortunate to have met and worked with great managers and teams to whom I drew my inspiration and guidance.

Do you have any tips for interviews and career progression?

To all who are aspiring too, my advice is to have the passion to care, commitment to learn, humility, resilience and role modelling which are professional qualities to progress.

Idayat Hammed is a Senior Nurse

My Career Journey and Educational Background

I am an Internationally Educated Nurse, I emigrated to the UK in 2021 from Nigeria. I had my Bachelor of Nursing in Nigeria, and I have been Nursing since 2017. I spent most of my Nursing career while in Nigeria as a Medical Surgical Nurse. Since moving to the UK, I have been working on a Respiratory Ward for more than 3 years. I was a band 5 Nurse for 2.5 years, and I currently work as a Respiratory Sister. Also furthering my Education now. I had a masters in Asthma management module last year, and in September I started another module on Care of the Acutely unwell patients, in the University of West of England (UWE). 

What made you choose the area you work in now?

Respiratory Nursing was supposed to be a short time thing for me, I came in and I planned on moving to peri-op nursing, but I fell in love with respiratory instantly. We looked after the sickest patients in the hospital, and being able to nurse patients back to health is a privilege I do not take for granted. Seeing the joy on patients and their relatives’ faces at the end of the shift makes me enjoy this job more. Ability to make a difference in someone else’s life is a powerful thing. I must say WE NURSES ARE EXTRAORDINARY.

What qualities are essential in your position?

Some of the qualities you need to have to be a Respiratory sister are, assertiveness, you must be highly skilled and competent, you must be reliable, supportive, a good listener and compassionate. Being in a leadership role especially as an Internationally Educated Nurse serves as a motivation for other new nurses who are just starting, someone to look up to. And a reminder they can do anything they set their mind to.

What obstacles have you faced and overcome?

The most challenging thing for me will be my family. I emigrated to the UK alone, I have lived in the UK for more than 3 years by myself. It is very difficult leaving families behind. But I have a supportive manager and colleagues. They are always open and ready to help when needed. I travel to Nigeria once a year to see my family.

What role, if any, do you think that race has played in your career progression?

I will not say race has played much role in my career progression. I believe I got this job because I am competent, and skilled, and people believed in me. I am very ambitious, when I set my mind onto something I must see it to the end.

Did you have a mentor or role model?

My mentor I will say is my Ward Manager. He has guided me, pushed me to be better. He has encouraged me and everyone else who works for him. Another person I look up to professionally is Bronagh Weston, she is a Nurse practitioner. She taught me most of the skills I needed when I first started as a respiratory nurse.

Do you have any tips for interviews and career progression?

I BELIEVED I COULD DO IT, AND I DID, I AM NOT EVEN DONE. My goal is to be a Nurse Practitioner, and I am working towards it already. Tips I will give are, be open to learning from everyone. Most of the basic Nursing I learned was from my HCA colleagues. Be ambitious, ambition is not a bad thing, be reliable, speak up when needed, ensure to always do your appraisal, this way you can plan, set goals and objectives and work towards them. Always read the trust policies on the intranet ahead of interviews, and have a well-structured supporting statement, and know THE SKY IS YOUR LIMIT.
 

Kenneth Ijere is a Regulatory Compliance Officer 

My Career Journey and Educational Background

My academic foundation began with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science, eager to expand my knowledge I pursued a postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration and a Postgraduate Diploma in Statistics. These studies equipped me with management and data analytical skills. To further specialise, I completed a Master’s degree in Statistics and later a Master’s in Public Health.

I started my professional career in Nigeria as a Biomedical Scientist, I rose to the position of senior Biomedical Scientist, leading my team to achieve ISO15189 2012 laboratory accreditation.  In pursuit of further professional growth and new challenges, I relocated on a skilled worker visa, taking on the role of Specialist Biomedical Scientist at Nottingham University Hospital. I worked with an incredible team producing high-quality results used in the management and care of the patients. I participated in the accreditation process of the laboratory and supported in maintaining our accreditation within my one and half years with the Trust. I transitioned into my current role as a Regulatory Compliance Officer at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), supporting the Infection Science of Pathology department to ensure that our laboratory practices meet the highest standards of quality and compliance. 

Finally, I would like to add that my journey has been a deliberate move towards refining my expertise and broadening my impact on the healthcare system.

What made you choose the area you work in now?

I chose the quality area as it challenges me to stay at the forefront of evolving regulations, standards, and best practices in medical laboratory around the world. The area offers the opportunity to have a broader impact on public health. Validation and verification of invitro diagnostics (IVD) is really of my great interest as it contributes to the reliability of diagnostic outcomes which ultimately support better patient care and public health initiatives.

What qualities are essential in your position?

The following are the skills I considered essential to strive in my position:

•         Attention to detail

•         Analytical thinking

•         Communication skills

•         Problem-solving abilities

•         Integrity and ethics

•         Adaptability.

•         Organisational skills

•         Collaboration and team spirit.

What obstacles have you faced and overcome?

Throughout my career, I faced many obstacles and overcame them all through staying calm, positive and resilient. The two challenging obstacles I faced were moving to a new country to work in a different healthcare system. I came to the United Kingdom from Nigeria. It was not easy adapting to the weather, the system, and the culture but I overcame these challenges through continuous learning, meeting people, joining groups and communities within the hospital and the city, understanding the cultural diversities and adapting to the changes.  Secondly, career shift, after building a very strong and successful career as a Biomedical Scientist, I decided to change career and move away from bench work to more of management and administrative as a Regulatory Compliance Officer, requiring a different set of skills and knowledge. I joined the team and hit the ground running as I had prepared myself. My past training in Quality Management system, studies in Statistics and Public Health helped me navigate around it.

What role, if any, do you think that race has played in your career progression?

Race has played a very significant role in shaping my career journey, being black African, we are very resilient and hardworking. It has taught me resilience, not accepting no for an answer, and staying steadfast despite so many unfortunate emails, all of which have been crucial in my career progression.

Did you have a mentor or role model?

I’ve been fortunate to have both mentors and role models throughout my career.  I worked with amazing managers who are my mentors, Juliet Iseniyi, Scott Springworth and Deborah Williams. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work under their mentorship.  My role models are Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has had an extraordinary career in global finance and development. She is currently Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). 

And the late Kofi Annan, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, has been a profound role model for me. His legacy of leadership, diplomacy, and commitment to global peace and human rights resonates deeply with my values.

Do you have any tips for interviews and career progression?

For interview, I usually prepare very well, review the job description and personal specification. Then research the organization and their value, lastly practice common interview questions. 

For career progression, keep learning, acquire more technical skills and certification. These has helped me progressed in my career.

Siny Thankachan is a Clinical Matron 

My Career Journey and Educational Background

I completed a Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery in India, worked there for 4 years then moved to Bahrain to join my husband who was working there. I worked in the Emergency Department in Bahrain for 7 years, then moved to the UK after successful application and interview process. I started working in Bristol at NBT from December 2000 in the Emergency Department. Started working as a band 5 after getting registration progressed to band 6 roles in 2007 and completed a degree in Emergency care. I have also completed Emergency Nurse practitioner modules and progressed as a band 7 Nurse practitioner and Senior sister. Furthermore, I completed a Non-Medical Prescribing course and qualified as NMP and worked in ED as a lead ENP.

In 2021 November I had the opportunity to do a secondment as a matron in NMSK, completed 6 months there. 

Then the opportunity in 2022 again to work as a matron in ASCR, started as secondment and now in the substantive role.

I was successful with the application and interview process to obtain a place in Florence Nightingale Foundation Scholarship and am a scholar of 2024-25 cohort.

What made you choose the area you work in now?

Interest in Leadership roles and to develop my leadership skills.

What qualities are essential in your position?

Communication, compassion, empathy, transparency, Integrity, accountability, delegation, good vision, confidence, authenticity, and resilience. 

What obstacles have you faced and overcome?

As I was one of the Internationally Educated Nurses who arrived in UK many years ago, lack of awareness of how to progress in my career in those days was an obstacle. It took me a while to progress and the application and interview process. I was unsure of the process to go to higher position, and this was an obstacle.

How I overcome these is by learning from experience and with my own interest and support from my colleagues. 

Also receiving feedback from the panel members was a great opportunity to improve.

What role, if any, do you think that race has played in your career progression?                

As a band 6 and band 7 nurse, I think I didn’t not know how to sell myself well. I am a quiet and a humble person and I think this didn’t help.  

Did you have a mentor or role model?      

I had a mentor when I first arrived until I got NMC registration.  Also, as part of my leadership development, I now have a mentor following my success in applying for the Florence Nightingale Scholarship program.

Do you have any tips for interviews and career progression?

Don’t be afraid to talk about yourself.

Get good feedback from the interview panel.

Don’t give up, keep going.

For career progression get guidance from the manager or the education team. Lot of support is available now.

Also be involved in any QI projects.

Trisha Quashie-Boney is a People Business Partner 

My Career Journey and Educational Background

I started off my career in banking and then when I relocated to the UK back in 2000, I started off as a temporary receptionist in the NHS via an NHS Trust Bank. I then became substantive and progressed through various roles (including junior management roles) and in 2004 I commenced my career in HR. I took up my first HR Management role as an Employment Services Manager and then subsequently undertook various other roles, with my last role being Head of Resourcing prior to leaving the NHS in 2014 as I returned to the Caribbean for a period of time. While there, I undertook roles where I was the Head of HR and Administration with the last and more substantial role being within the financial services industry.

I subsequently returned to the UK and took a role with NHS England as an Implementation Manager and in August 2023 started at NBT as People Business Partner for Core Clinical Services (CCS). I would soon commence in a new role at NBT as Associate Director of Strategic Business Partnering. 

I am educated to Masters level.

What made you choose the area you work in now?

I have always loved HR and initially my desire was to go into Training (interesting, I never pursued this aspect of HR). I love interacting with people and addressing people issues and so when the opportunity arose to work in HR, I willingly accepted it.

What qualities are essential in your position?

Strong communication skills are important; being people centric and personable so that you can engage well with others. Having good business acumen and the ability to understand the business and how things work and be able to use that to provide workforce solutions is also important. Being able to coach, mentor and positively influence others is also key.

What obstacles have you faced and overcome?

I have faced a few obstacles…both in my personal life and in my working life. One of the obstacles related to work is linked to me not being born in the UK. Ease of acceptance and the patience of some while I learnt the culture, the way of life and how things are done was sometimes a challenge. I overcame these by using every opportunity to immerse myself and become acclimatised as soon as possible. Not being born in the UK, being a mother and having to grapple with childcare and raising children at varying ages while learning new things, ways of life and work are not things that managers would naturally gravitate towards when thinking about developing and promoting individuals. I tried to demonstrate my ability to learn quickly, to demonstrate the value that I bring and to use my transferrable skills which would have helped. 

What role, if any, do you think that race has played in your career progression?

There remains conscious and unconscious bias and I believe they would have existed to some extent in my career journey. However, I also believe that I was blessed with having persons who looked beyond these characteristics and focused on my abilities, strengths, knowledge etc. I was always determined to let my work and my work ethic ‘speak for me’ as opposed to my ethnicity or any other characteristic.

Did you have a mentor or role model?

I do have a role model but would be looking to formally have a mentor.

Do you have any tips for interviews and career progression?

Don’t be afraid to pursue opportunities! Don’t underestimate and trivialise what you can offer to an employer. If you aren’t successful in the first instance, don’t be discouraged but instead keep looking at ways in which you can advance or other opportunities. Use it as a learning experience looking at what went well and what you can improve on. At interviews, focus on your strengths and what you can offer/bring to the team. If there are areas for development/learning, then you should have a plan for how you will do so and share this at the interview.

It's good to have a role model and also someone who can be a mentor in your chosen field.