Nursing Leaders: Our Students’ Day Co-Chairs’ Experience

Tegan Fulker

“I’m Tegan, a final-year adult nursing student at Anglia Ruskin University. I am due to qualify in a few months’ time as a Plastics and Burns Nurse in Mid and South Essex.

My journey into healthcare began at 18, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time that inspired many, including myself, to step forward and make a difference. Though I’m still early in my healthcare pathway, I bring passion, drive, and a powerful voice to everything I do. These qualities have not only shaped my learning but continue to fuel my commitment to delivering compassionate, patient-centred care. I began my nursing studies at Anglia Ruskin University in September 2022, and the experience has been both demanding and deeply rewarding, reinforcing my dedication to becoming the best nurse I can be.

It was an incredible honour to be invited to FNF’s student day, then when an email dropped in my inbox asking me to be one of the student co-chairs I couldn’t turn it down. Having always enjoyed socialising and collaborating with other student nurses and other Allied healthcare professionals I knew this day would be amazing.

Travelling up to FNF Students’ day I was so nervous but very excited. Although I loved the idea of meeting and collaborating with new people. It didn’t show on my face; however, I was very nervous to talk in the room of such amazing individuals. Despite this, the FNF staff were incredible, they gave me and the other co-chair, Ryan, lots of briefings about what to expect on the day and really made us feel part of the team.

To begin the day, there were some introductions on who everyone was and what to expect during the day. We then started with a speech from Professor Greta Westwood, which was so welcoming, about her life, and what led her to the path of nursing, and how her career began and developed. This really was a heartfelt moment, I think everyone in the room was touched by this. The interactive workshops and seminars are inspiring and very engaging. This gave us plenty of time to reflect on our own journeys, especially on how far I’ve come myself. It was insightful to be able to have the NMC there when discussing our views of preceptorship for newly qualified nurses, as it felt our opinions were being listened to.

I felt truly honoured to be part of such a meaningful day. I formed lasting friendships and gained a new appreciation for the power of networking and professional visibility within the nursing community.

Since Anglia Ruskin University were sponsoring the day, all students who attended got the opportunity to be part of the Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service at Westminster Abbey. I will never forget walking in the doors, the feeling was extraordinary. To see so many NHS and other Allied healthcare professionals and those from the military and Royal Navy all come together to celebrate one thing to walk in line together with the same meaning and purpose is a feeling and memory I’ll treasure forever.

This event was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so if you do get the chance to go, don’t miss out, you won’t regret it. The Florence Nightingale Foundation has already opened so many doors for me, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. I can’t wait to qualify and become part of this inspiring network.

Hopefully soon, you might even see me representing FNF at one of their events as a newly registered nurse.”

Ryan Williamson

“I’m Ryan, currently pursuing my Master’s in Adult Nursing at Canterbury Christ Church University while maintaining my clinical practice in Emergency Care.

If you’d asked me a few months back whether I saw myself co-chairing an event for the Florence Nightingale Foundation, I’d have probably laughed and changed the subject. I’m a Master’s student in Adult Nursing at Canterbury Christ Church University, and while I pride myself on being organised, I’m not exactly known for chasing the spotlight. Still, when I caught a social media post calling for Students’ Day co-chairs, something nudged me to give it a go. All they wanted was a minute-long video about why I wanted the role. I hit record, spoke honestly about my hopes for nursing and for student leadership, and sent it off. I didn’t expect to hear back. Sometimes, the best things start that way.

Before this, I’ll be honest: my knowledge of FNF was pretty basic. I knew the name, the lamp, and the legacy, but the day-to-day impact of the Foundation was a bit of a mystery. That changed fast. From the first planning call, I could tell this wasn’t just another student event. Jess Sainsbury, FNF’s Head of Nursing and Midwifery Engagement, welcomed me and made the process feel collaborative rather than intimidating. Becky Thomas, the keynote speaker, radiated energy and passion. They mapped out the day for me: keeping everything running on time, taking part in workshops, and leading the Q&A with a panel of experienced professionals. I like a good plan, but I learned quickly that flexibility was going to be my greatest asset.

The night before the event, I didn’t sleep much. My mind ran through every scenario – what if I stumbled over my words, what if I lost my place, what if I let everyone down? Stepping into the venue that morning, my nerves were jangling. Introducing myself to a room full of peers, leaders, and future colleagues, I felt that unmistakable wobble in my voice. But as the first workshops started, the atmosphere shifted. The honesty and openness that filled the room was genuinely moving. People shared stories – some funny, some tough, all real. It’s rare to be in a space where everyone feels safe enough to speak their truth, but somehow, that’s exactly what happened.

By lunchtime, I realised I’d found my footing. The nerves gave way to a kind of grounded excitement, but not a moment too soon, because just after lunch, the day threw me a curveball. The ARU students had to leave early for a rehearsal, and Jess – who was meant to join me for the panel – got called away to organise Ubers thanks to the Tube strikes. Suddenly, I was trying to guide the Expert Leader panel solo. In the end, that was probably the best thing that could’ve happened. The panelists were generous, the students were engaged, and the discussion flowed. I left that session feeling not just relieved, but proud. The feedback at the end of the day was overwhelmingly positive. The mantra that kept coming up from the panel “Feel the fear and do it anyway” seemed to resonate with everyone. I could see people taking those words to heart, myself included. It’s easy to imagine that leadership is something you earn after years on the job, but the truth is, student nurses and midwives are already leaders. We lead by example, by caring, by speaking up when it matters. Waiting for a title or a certain number of years in the field doesn’t make sense—leadership starts now, with the small acts of courage and connection that happen every day.

Attending the Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service at Westminster Abbey was the perfect way to end the experience. I’d been to the service before at St. Paul’s, so I knew what to expect, but the symbolism of the lamp being passed from nurse to nurse never fails to move me. This year, the moment felt extra special – my mum, who is my inspiration in nursing was there with me. As the light was passed, I felt the weight of history and the hope for the future sitting side by side.

Walking away from Students’ Day, I’m more convinced than ever that leadership in nursing isn’t about waiting your turn. It’s about showing up, speaking out, and staying true to your values – even when your voice shakes a bit. The students I met are future leaders of this profession, and the chance to share a space with them – learning, laughing, and growing together – was an honour.

If there’s one thing I’ll do differently after this, it’s to lean into the uncomfortable moments more, to trust that I have something to contribute, and to encourage others to do the same, because whether we’re at the front of the room or quietly supporting from the wings, we’re all shaping the future of nursing, together.”