‘Faces of Nursing’ events with senior health professionals helping to inspire MDX students

One student who attended the sessions described it as a “truly inspiring experience”

Senior health professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds have given inspirational talks to Year 1 Nursing students at Middlesex University.
The ‘Faces of Nursing’ events featured senior nursing leaders who shared their personal journeys, professional insights, and reflections on leadership in nursing. 
With the theme of ‘Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future’, these events were designed to recognise and celebrate the achievements of top professionals and inspire the next generation of nurses to succeed and lead in future.

The first session in January welcomed Mr Oliver Soriano, the first Filipino executive chief nurse in the NHS who is currently Chief Nursing Officer at Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust. 
He is also the serving President of the Philippine Nurses Association UK (PNAUK).
The second session held recently in March featured an inspiring panel of nursing leaders including:

• Mr Bejoy Sebastian, President of the Royal College of Nursing
• Prudencia Jennings, Ward Manager at The London Clinic
• Suzanne McFarlane, Paediatric Lead PDN at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
• Elizabeth Pearson, Vice Chair of the Mary Seacole Trust and Founding Chair of DUNMS   

This event was delivered in partnership with the Philippine Nurses Association UK (PNAUK) represented by Michael Joel Apas, and supported by the PNA UK Cornwall Chapter. Nurse Michael told students how he worked for eight hours a day unpaid starting off in the Philippines to gain experience. After listening to the leaders’ inspiring stories, students asked questions about their career journeys, leadership challenges, and advice for succeeding in the nursing profession.

“Attending the Faces of Nursing event was a truly inspiring experience that strengthened my passion for pursuing a career in nursing. 
“Listening to the stories and journeys of different nurses helped me realise that nursing is not just a profession, but a commitment to compassion, resilience, and lifelong learning.
“Seeing such diverse role models in nursing made me feel more confident that I too can succeed in this field. It motivated me to continue working hard in my studies and to develop the skills needed to become a caring, knowledgeable, and dedicated nurse in the future.”

Student Lucy Corker

Another student who attended, Alina Jacobs, said: “Nurse Michael, Nurse Elisabeth, and especially Nurse Bejoy helped open my eyes to different perspectives. They once believed certain things were impossible, and now they are in positions they once thought they could never reach.
“Nurse Bejoy inspired me by showing that we can start from level zero and still reach the greatest heights. Nurse Elisabeth opened my eyes to how core principles shape our culture and how, as nurses, it is important to truly care for patients.
“I am truly grateful for this experience. It shaped and broadened my dreams and helped me understand what a true leader should be. It reminded me that every nurse can be a leader, and that leadership, advocacy, understanding, compassion, resilience, bravery, assertiveness, kindness, and care all reside within our hearts.”

Student Saudi Hashi was particularly inspired by Nurse Michael’s story of working unpaid as she said a “lot of people would have given up”. She added: “I found the event very inspiring and really resonated with Nurse Michael, Bejoy and Elizabeth because they were very honest about the struggles they faced in the nurse profession, so they were giving us the tools to be prepared and know the realities of the profession. It felt they were genuine and speaking from the heart which I found enduring.”

Lecturer in Adult Nursing Jimmy Hobayan, who organised the events, said: “Research shows that early exposure to role models significantly improves students’ sense of belonging.
“By showcasing successful nursing leaders from diverse backgrounds - individuals who look like the students, speak like them, and have walked similar paths, the event highlights that success in nursing leadership is both attainable and achievable.
“The Faces of Nursing leadership events demonstrate how mentorship, representation, and leadership can shape the next generation of nurses; honouring the legacy of those who came before while inspiring the nurses of the future.”

Find out more about Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work courses at Middlesex University.