The FNF Students’ Day is an annual event bringing together representatives of our future nursing and midwifery workforce for learning, leadership development and inspiration.
Students from FNF Academy Member organisations came together on 12 May – International Nurses’ Day – to hear from inspiring nursing and midwifery leaders, explore their own leadership style, and connect with peers and the wider FNF community. The day ended with the Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service at Westminster Abbey, where students formed part of the procession down the nave behind FNF Scholars – our lamp carrier and escorts – in a symbolic passing of the flame of nursing excellence from generation to generation.
This year’s theme was ‘Leadership from Day One’ because leadership is not something you save for later. The habits, values, and courage that make a great leader, must be practised from the very beginning. What leadership looks like will change as you progress – the scope widens, the responsibility deepens, the decisions grow harder – but wherever you are in your career the question is never whether to lead, but how.
Hear from student attendees from the University of East London and see some of the photos from the day.
“Today, thanks to the support of University of East London and the Florence Nightingale Foundation, we were given an unforgettable opportunity to attend Students’ Day alongside student nurses, nursing associates, midwives, and both national and international students. It was a day filled with inspiration, reflection, and pride in the profession we are entering. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in organising such a meaningful experience.
Throughout the day, we listened to a number of incredibly inspirational speakers whose passion and dedication to healthcare radiated throughout the room. Hearing from professionals such as Donna O’Boyle, alongside representatives from the DAISY Foundation and many others, reminded us of the values that sit at the very heart of nursing. The atmosphere was electric; there was laughter, emotion, connection, and a shared understanding of why we chose this profession.
One particularly memorable part of the day involved exploring our ‘Myers Briggs’ personality styles through an interactive activity. It sparked conversations about leadership, teamwork, and how our individual personalities shape the care we provide. We spoke openly about our love for nursing and midwifery, and how exciting it is to see the many different journeys and career paths available within healthcare. It was empowering to stand amongst students from such varied backgrounds, all united by the same compassion and determination to make a difference.
After the event, we shared lunch together before changing into our uniforms and making our way to Westminster Abbey. Walking into such a historic and prestigious building was an incredible experience in itself, but visiting Florence Nightingale Chapel was especially moving. Standing in a place so deeply connected to the history of nursing made us feel part of something much greater than ourselves. It reminded us of the legacy we are stepping into and the responsibility we carry as future healthcare professionals.
Following rehearsals, the ceremony began, and it was truly unforgettable. The Abbey was filled with nurses from all walks of life and specialties; community nurses, military nurses, ward nurses, scholars, and leaders, each carrying their own unique and inspirational story. Seeing such diversity within the profession reinforced how broad, resilient, and compassionate nursing truly is.
One of the greatest honours of the day was representing the student cohort during the Procession of the Lamp. It was a moment that carried immense pride and emotion. We reflected on the responsibility of being the face of student nurses and how this motivates us even more to grow, advocate, and strive to be the change healthcare needs. We are the next generation of nurses, and experiences such as this remind us why that matters so deeply.
What an extraordinary day, and what an incredible honour it was to be part of it.”
The event was generously sponsored by the University of East London, with additional support from HCA Healthcare UK, proud sponsors of the Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service that closes the day.
“We’re proud to sponsor Students’ Day and to stand alongside the Florence Nightingale Foundation in celebrating the next generation of nurses and midwives. The work they do to champion, support and inspire students is exactly the kind of impact we want to back – it aligns perfectly with our mission at UEL to develop career-ready healthcare professionals who will shape the future of the NHS.”
Robert Waterson, The University of East London’s Vice Provost (Health) and Executive Dean School of Health, Sport and Bioscience
“Leadership is not about title or seniority; it is about responsibility, values and the confidence from the very start of your career. At HCA UK we believe that students and early career nurses are leaders from the beginning, through influencing culture, shaping care and making a difference to patients and colleagues every day. This reflects our commitment to develop compassionate and confident nurse leaders of the future.”
Kathryn Hornby, HCA Healthcare UK’s Chief Nursing Executive
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