Ally, Student Nurse – Learning Disability from Edinburgh Napier University, shares an authentic testimony about his journey being accepted in the Programme as a mature student, and meeting his fellow 150Leaders at the Welcome Event in September.
My name is Ally and I’m a 3rd year Learning Disability Nursing student at Edinburgh Napier University. In this blog, I’ll share my insights from attending the recent 150Leaders Welcome Event in Manchester, as a mature student embarking on an exciting new career in healthcare.
This career change began when I survived severe depression in 2019. Seeing first-hand the help from different people made me want to use my skills to help others too. I cared for my dad with dementia during COVID, supporting him to the end of life. This reaffirmed my passion for compassionate care. Having a son with autism spectrum disorder has given insight into learning differences. My mum taught nursing/midwifery, instilling the desire to care for others. My wife is a health visitor, inspiring me daily through her work. You might say nursing runs in my family.
When made redundant, it was the perfect chance to pursue my dream of nursing. Now, I aim to combine my background in communication and problem-solving with nursing education, to make a difference to patients’ lives. It’s been a challenging but rewarding journey so far.
After getting accepted within the Council of Deans of Health’s Student Leadership Programme, or 150 Leaders, I was now ready to attend the new cohort’s Welcome Event in September. The #150Leaders name comes from the programme originally being designed for 150 students over two years. Now over 250 students have graduated, with more joining each year, but the #150Leaders name lives on. The programme is run by the Council of Deans of Health who represents the UK’s university faculties engaged in education and/or research for nursing, midwifery and the allied health professions.
The two-day Welcome Event was packed with inspirational talks, hands-on workshops, and great networking opportunities. Sessions explored critical leadership skills like overcoming imposter syndrome, compassionate leadership, and crafting elevator pitches. We also honed entrepreneurial thinking during an engaging “Dragon’s Den” pitch workshop. There was valuable advice on goal-setting and seizing opportunities.
As a non-traditional student, it was empowering to join the current cohort benefiting from this amazing experience. Having attended as a mature student, my key tips are: stay focused on your interests, believe in yourself, and keep growing your skills. Also, as a nurse passionate about inclusion, I’m eager to develop leadership capabilities that help me better serve patients with learning disabilities. Events like 150Leaders are vital for nurturing those skills early on.
It was amazing to watch everyone building their confidence and voices over the two days. The inspirational healthcare students at the event will undoubtedly become the compassionate, patient-focused leaders of tomorrow. Their dedication left me feeling so hopeful for the future of healthcare. I can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve working together.
Of course, leadership is a lifelong journey and coaches will now help us reflect on developing projects that drive real change. The future is bright!
Ally Finlay
Nurse Learning Disabilities