The Chief Nurse Fellowships are designed to boost nursing careers in quality improvement and leadership, and to increase diversity in nursing roles.

The programme is designed around individual nurses’ ambitions and aspirations, and includes mentorship, coaching, formal training and experiential learning.

Faustina AdinLarbi, Modern Matron 

In this article Faustina, Lama and Dorothy speak about why they applied for the Fellowship, its most rewarding aspects and how it will impact their future careers.

What made you want to apply for the Chief Nurse Fellowship?

Faustina answered:

I applied for the Fellowship to have the opportunity to develop my leadership skills and achieve measurable improvement in performance and outcomes for our patients, carers and staff. I also saw it as an opportunity to engage with my mentors/ senior leaders as well as others taking part in the programme to discuss, learn and apply what I learn in my current and future roles to enhance care provision.

Lama Halime, OHFT Clinical Practice Educator

What has been the most interesting / rewarding / challenging part of the Fellowship so far?

Lama answered:

This Fellowship has provided me with a valuable platform to connect and network with senior leaders across the Trust. Hearing their leadership journeys has been both inspiring and motivating, encouraging me to further invest in my own development.

One of the most rewarding aspects has been gaining the confidence to speak up for what I need in terms of leadership and professional growth. This has also been one of the most challenging areas, as advocating for myself is a skill I continue to develop.

The Fellowship has presented numerous opportunities, and pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, I’ve experienced a profound sense of achievement and received genuine support from those around me. I’ve become more confident in speaking up during discussions, offering ideas that help shape my team’s direction and drive positive outcomes.

The Fellowship has encouraged me to reflect on the kind of leader I want to be – one who leads with authenticity, cultural awareness, and compassion. I am committed to continuing this journey and hope to be a visible representative of Muslim women in leadership as I progress in my career.

Dorothy Dan-Cooke, Operational Lead, Single Point of Access, Buckinghamshire CAMHS

How do you think the Fellowship will benefit your career in the future?

Dorothy answered:

I think the Fellowship will be a game-changer for my career. It’s already providing a deeper understanding of how things work at a senior level and is helping me develop skills   crucial in any future leadership role.

The most rewarding part has been the chance to collaborate with people from different parts of the Trust. It’s been interesting to see how different teams approach challenges and to hear their ideas. I’ve also enjoyed broadening my understanding of the strategic side of daily operations – understanding how decisions are made at a higher level and how the impact of those decisions.

I’ve been able to network with people who have extensive experience, and I know those connections will be invaluable. Moving forward, I feel confident that this experience will help me tackle bigger challenges and continue to grow as a leader in healthcare.