Landing an NHS leadership placement: building confidence through BSc Adult Nursing

Three years ago, I walked into university straight from sixth form. I was shy, introverted, and stepping into a world that felt completely unfamiliar to me. I did not yet know what kind of nurse I would become, or even what kind of person I was becoming.

Looking back now, as I prepare to begin my career as a nurse, I can honestly say those three years have changed me in ways I never imagined, not just professionally, but personally. Nursing has shaped my confidence, my voice, and the way I see people, life, and myself.

Why I chose nursing at Middlesex

I chose to study nursing because I wanted a career where I could make a difference. Nursing is one of the few professions that requires both your heart and your mind every single day. It combines clinical knowledge with compassion, empathy, and humanity. There is something incredibly rewarding about walking away from a busy shift knowing you have made a difference to someone’s life.

What drew me to nursing at Middlesex was also the endless opportunities it offers. Whether in hospitals, the community, education, leadership, research, or specialist services, there are countless paths to explore. As someone who has always pushed myself to achieve more, I was attracted to this constantly evolving and dynamic profession.

The environment that felt right

Choosing Middlesex was one of the best decisions I made. I attended several open days at different universities, but Middlesex stood out. There was something about the environment that immediately felt right, and I knew this was where I belonged. When you are studying a demanding course like nursing, your environment matters. Middlesex gave me a place where I felt supported, encouraged, and able to grow. That feeling stayed with me throughout my time here. The support from my lecturers, programme leaders, and academic assessor made a lasting difference. I have made lifelong friendships, found a strong sense of community, and created memories I will carry with me long after graduation.

Looking back, what I will remember most are not the grades or achievements, but the people who taught me lessons I’ll never forget, the friends who became family, and the moments that made the journey unforgettable.

What nursing really taught me

The reality of becoming a nurse is not easy. Early starts at 5am, night shifts, long days followed by hours of study. However, it has taught me that consistency and dedication is important. Balancing university, placement, work, and personal life has been both challenging and rewarding.

Throughout my placements, I had the privilege of supporting people at some of their most vulnerable moments. Patients and families place immense trust in nurses and I learned that small actions can have a big impact. Most importantly, I learned that every patient has a story, and every interaction matters.

From taking a blood pressure to leading change

I did not expect nursing to transform my confidence or help me find my voice. When I started my first placement, I was nervous about everything, I still remember how daunting it felt taking a patient’s blood pressure for the first time. I worried about making mistakes but looking back now it is hard to believe how much has changed.

Three years later, I progressed from a first-year student lacking confidence to managing patient caseloads with minimal supervision in my final placement. This came from showing up consistently, asking questions, practising skills, learning from mistakes, and embracing every opportunity to grow.

NHS Leadership placements

Alongside my clinical placements, I was selected for a highly competitive NHS England Leadership placement, where I was one of only three students across England and the only student from Middlesex University. I worked alongside senior leaders, contributing to discussions on patient safety, workforce development and quality improvement, and developed a proposal focused on improving psychological safety in practice and enhancing patient safety. What made this experience particularly meaningful was seeing my ideas being considered for wider implementation across London.

This experience helped me realise that being a student does not limit your ability to make a difference. Sometimes the ideas that create change come from those still learning. Leadership is not about job titles or years of experience; it is about having the courage to speak up, share ideas and advocate for improvement.

What’s next for me?

As I prepare to qualify, I am excited for what comes next. I have attended interviews for positions within one of the hospitals where I completed part of my training, and I hope to begin my career as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse, supporting some of the most vulnerable babies at the very start of life.

Alongside this, I plan to undertake a master’s degree in Midwifery to further develop my knowledge and to support women, babies, and families across maternity services.

One thing nursing has taught me is that growth never stops, and I am excited to see where this profession will take me next.

Find out more about the BSc in Adult Nursing at Middlesex University.