Navigating Nursing

Hello and welcome to Navigating Nursing hosted by Laura Whitehead, an adult critical care nurse, qualified lecturer, fellow of the Higher Education Academy and book reviewer. In this podcast you will hear from nurses working across all fields and in a variety of jobs, discussing current roles, educational achievements and their careers to date – while sharing their plans for the future.

This podcast will highlight the diverse profession that is nursing and will hopefully also inspire you.

Laura meets Professor Alison Leary MBE. She discusses her transition from being an engineer and apprentice rocket scientist to training as a nurse. Professor Leary compares the similarities between the scientific and nursing professions.

Sally Shearer OBE joins Laura. Sally is a member of a National Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel as a registered children’s nurse. She gives advice for anyone involved in safeguarding and emphasises the importance of seeking support when needed.

Laura speaks with Ashley Greaves. Ashley has worked with young disadvantaged people, people with disabilities, young people with substance misuse, sexual health, and mental health issues throughout his career.

Laura meets Emma Firth. Emma talks about why she decided to go into nursing and how she originally worked on a female surgery and gynaecology ward before working at HMP Wakefield prison as a primary care nurse.

Laura talks to Kat Cheng who is a teaching associate, fellow of the Higher Education Academy, adult nurse and health visitor. She talks about how a placement during her adult nursing degree led to her wanting to pursue a career as a health visitor.

Laura is joined by Dr Joan Myers, an independent consultant. Dr Myers OBE is a multi-award winning nurse and received an OBE for her services to children and nursing in 2013. She discusses her passion for helping people at a young age and her journey into nursing.

Laura meets Sarah Evans, a preceptorship matron who is responsible for newly qualified nurses and ODPs, midwives and newly registered nursing associates. She discusses her career journey and how she has been a "constant student" throughout her career.

Laura is joined by Professor Nancy Fontaine, chief nurse and director for infection prevention and control at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Professor Fontaine talks through her decision to study nursing, and her varied career.

Laura talks to Heather Wilson. Heather discusses the work experience which led to her studying nursing at Edinburgh. She speaks about her interest in public heath and preventative health policy.

Laura talks to Sian Chinwuba, a paediatric staff nurse and winner of Student Nursing Times Awards for the Most Inspirational Student Nurse of the Year 2021. Sian discusses her first year as a newly qualified on a rotation programme.

Laura talks to Dr Anna Maria Valdez, professor and chair of the Department of Nursing at Sonoma State University. She discusses her career to date and what led her to apply to a nursing programme.

Laura talks to Beverley Brathwaite, senior lecturer in adult nursing, senior fellow of the HEA, clinical nurse adviser for 111 service and doctoral student.

Laura interviews nurses in a variety of leadership positions about their careers to date. They discuss their experiences, lessons learned and aspirations for the future.

Laura welcomes Kristina Radzeviciute. Kristian is passionate about mental health and rehabilitation and she gives an insight as to why she started working in this field.

In this episode Laura talks with Abi Okegbile who is a community learning disability nursing associate. Abi outlines the academic challenges of the course and how she overcame her anxieties.

In this episode, Laura speaks to Victoria Williams, a nursing associate in high-security psychiatric services. Victoria discusses her career to date and shares her ambitions for the future.

In this episode Laura talks to Jonathan Opoku, a student nursing associate. Jonathan gives advice to anyone wishing to return to studying after a long break and provides an insight into being on an apprenticeship programme.

In this episode Laura meets Mushtag Kahin, a nursing associate working as a community engagement practitioner in a community mental health team. Mushtag talks about her varied career in healthcare and discusses how this led her to studying to become a nursing associate. This inspiring episodes outlines the variety of roles available for a nursing associate and the importance of diversity in the NHS.

In this episode Laura talks to Carly Richardson, a nursing associate in general practice. Carly discusses her motivation for becoming a nursing associate and gives advice for any one wishing to undertake an apprenticeship programme.

Laura's guests are from a variety of fields, clinical backgrounds and roles. They discuss their previous careers, their educational achievements and challenges, and give advice for anyone wishing to study to become a nursing associate.