Well, what a day we had. Can you imagine being in a room with the charismatic Professor Carol Baxter CBE, the incredibly inspiring Christina Ebanks, Director of Nursing and Midwifery Education at Buckinghamshire New University, the talented senior nurse Sister Patricia O’Neale and the Assessment Nurse Practitioner and Musician Kelvin Ossai? As if that was not enough then consider a room filled with 70 children of the Billingshurst Primary School Choir. Amazing.
Professor Baxter delivered a powerful session with a historical flavour, in recognition of the 75th year celebration of the Windrush generation and its contribution to the NHS. She spoke of resilience, determination, and the mindset to achieve despite a system which at times seems to be against you. She spoke of challenging and calling out injustices whatever they are, and being well prepared with our counter challenge. Do your research and speak from a point of being well informed. She gave us 'V-E-N': be 'Visible', get yourself known, shout about your success no matter how big or small; 'Education', prepare your argument, be knowledgeable in your field and; 'Network', build a supportive network as you need support in your endeavours.
Christina Ebanks gave great insight into the power of mentorship for future leadership and progression. Not to be too busy to read those circulars and emails as every one ignored could be an opportunity missed. “Write down your goals and revisit them regularly to keep yourself on track” - be clear how you are going to attain them and what help, support will be needed (echoing Professor Baxter’s advice to have a supportive network around you). Challenge injustices using the policies and processes within your organisation.
Patricia O’Neale outlined her journey as an internationally educated nurse and the support she has received from her team and manager. “Never give up in the face of adversity, push through and grow in strength”. She arrived as Band 5 and is now a Band 6 Ward Sister. Obstacles and struggles can be overcome, and again supportive networks are invaluable. Patricia outlined her desire to continue her educational and professional development.
Kelvin Ossai gave a lot of very practical advice to the audience about what success could look like both at work and outside of work, highlighting his interest and passion for music. He outlined that you could have a nursing career but also exercise any other talent you have. He echoed about being visible and letting others know you are there and what you are doing. Show off those skills, get noticed and be in the frame when opportunities arise. But try to create a good work life balance.
The Billingshurst Primary School Choir were incredibly uplifting with their medley of songs. I love Joshua built the walls of Jericho, Swing Low Sweet Chariot and When the Saints Go Marching In. The first song took me back to my Sunday School days and this in turn reminds us of Professor Baxter’s advice that we should all have something that sustains us whether that be something like religion, exercise or meditation. We all need that ‘thing’ we turn to when we need to bolster ourselves for the next battle or just to reinvigorate, recharge ourselves at certain times. For myself personally, I tend to visit Aylesford Priory in Kent whenever I need that quiet contemplation. I hope everyone has such an escape.
To end, this Black History Month was everything the planning group wanted it to be. Positive, positive, positive. The evaluation and feedback from the delegates were great and all left with something tangible they were going to do in reviewing their own career pathways.
Thank you to all the delegates and speakers but also a huge thank you to the planning group. Could not do this without you all.
Dream big - together we rise.
