Kelly Thobekile Ncube is a senior lecturer in nursing at one of our Higher Education Institute FNF Academy members: the University of East London (UEL). One of the benefits of Academy membership is a place on our Fellows programme – and Kelly was one of our inaugural Fellows. Here she writes about the experience and the impact it has had on her personally and on her role.
“My name is Kelly Thobekile Ncube, and I am honoured and proud to work as a Senior Lecturer and the BSc Course Leader (March Cohorts) in Adult Nursing at the University of East London (UEL). In this capacity, I am wholeheartedly dedicated to shaping the future of nursing in one of the world’s most dynamic and culturally rich cities, London. My role not only involves teaching but also mentoring the next generation of nurses, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and compassion necessary to excel in their careers.
Participating in the inaugural FNF Academy Fellowship programme has been an extraordinary honour and a profoundly humbling experience for me. Throughout the intensive 12-month programme, I engaged in a series of enriching sessions that expanded my knowledge and skills across a wide array of subject areas pertinent to nursing and healthcare leadership. These sessions encompassed crucial topics such as Community of Practice, Authority, Power and Influence, and a virtual Co-Consulting Masterclass. Additionally, they provided comprehensive strategies for career progression, which I found not only immensely enjoyable but also highly beneficial as I navigated my professional journey.
“Participating in the inaugural Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF) Academy Fellowship programme has been an extraordinary honour and a profoundly humbling experience for me.”
Networking and Mentoring
One of the standout aspects of the Fellowship was the invaluable networking opportunities it provided. I was able to connect with other talented professionals in the field, fostering relationships that I believe will have a lasting impact on my career. Among these connections was the privilege of receiving mentorship from my esteemed Executive Dean, Robert Waterson. His guidance has been instrumental in enhancing my professional development, encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone in academia and to actively seek out career advancement opportunities, including applying for new positions and engaging in both local and international projects that align with my passions.
At the beginning of the programme, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the annual Florence Nightingale Foundation Academy Members Symposium held in Birmingham, accompanied by my Executive Dean. This event was not only informative but also deeply inspiring, providing a platform where nursing leaders could share ideas, experiences, and best practices.
A particularly moving highlight of the Fellowship was my attendance at the Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service at Westminster Abbey. This poignant event celebrated the profound legacy of nursing and honoured the enduring contributions of Florence Nightingale, serving as a powerful reminder of the vital role nurses play in society.
While the journey of being both a nurse and a nurse educator has been fraught with challenges, it has also been incredibly rewarding. The global pandemic presented devastating challenges, yet I witnessed first-hand how healthcare professionals rose to the occasion, tirelessly working to provide exceptional care to patients in need. My experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic as a nurse, both in academic and clinical settings, taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, compassion, and the critical nature of our work within the healthcare system.
“The knowledge and expertise that I acquired through the Academy Fellowship Programme significantly enhanced the educational experiences of our nursing students at UEL, equipping them with diverse and rich learning opportunities.”
Inspiring Students as Future Nursing Leaders
I draw inspiration from both my past experiences and the future leaders of our interconnected global nursing community, particularly as they navigate their unique nursing journeys. The rapid advancements in technology are fundamentally transforming the way we train our nursing students, reminiscent of the pioneering efforts of Florence Nightingale to improve nursing practices. I strongly believe that my expert knowledge, skills, and experiences not only empower me but also inspire my colleagues and students to reach their full potential.
The programme has granted me invaluable exposure, transformative experiences, and the opportunity to learn from seasoned mentors in the nursing field. This fellowship has allowed me to gain new insights and foster connections with individuals across various nursing specialties, enriching my perspective and bolstering my professional network. Ultimately, the knowledge and expertise that I acquired through the Academy Fellowship Programme significantly enhanced the educational experiences of our nursing students at UEL, equipping them with diverse and rich learning opportunities.”
If you would like to find out more about the FNF Academy Membership, including for Higher Education Institutes, please click here.
