¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý

I can remember when I first joined the ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý. It was 1993 and I’d just qualified as a nurse. I have this vivid memory of a nurse tutor from my university devoting a whole session on why it was important to join a trade union. Specifically, she highlighted the ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý and the support it could offer. It was a no-brainer: I signed up as a member right away!
 
In the decades since, I can’t say that I did much more than be a passive member of the ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý. I read the organisation’s news and voted in its elections and ballots, but I didn’t really get stuck in. I thought of my ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý membership as an insurance policy: it was there for me if I needed it.

'I thought of my ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý membership as an insurance policy'

 
That was until autumn last year, when I began to reflect on my professional career and my ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý membership. If you asked me why I didn’t act sooner, the honest answer is this: I was busy progressing my career, where I’ve specialised and led in the field of Emergency Nursing. Now, it feels like a “pause” button has been pressed in my life. I’ve reached a point professionally where I can stop and ask myself: if I left nursing tomorrow, what would be my legacy to this profession? 
 
I decided to take action. I saw an opportunity to join the ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý London Board and applied. I was immensely pleased – and a little surprised! – when I got the call telling me I’d been successful. In quick succession, I was elected as chair of the ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý London Board. Since taking up my role, I’ve become more aware of how diverse the ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý and its membership is – I’d love to see this culture of respect and inclusivity replicated at other organisations.
 
As Chair, I’m looking forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead. I want to learn more about what the ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý, what it stands for, and how it can best support members. I want to get involved as an activist and campaign for better opportunities within the nursing profession.

'I want to strive for a better future for nursing' 

 
I also want to pay tribute to my fellow ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý London Board members. Together, we have so much experience and I want to make the most of that, including my skillset from frontline acute nursing and nursing leadership. 
 
What can I offer ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý members in London? I want to represent you as best as I can, by speaking up for you within the ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý and pushing for change. I want to strive for a better future for nursing: for us as nursing colleagues and for our patients.