CNTW Trust staff join Florence Nightingale leadership programme

Members of staff from Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) have been chosen to take part in a national leadership programme.

Mental health nurses Rachael Betty and Rosie Taylor were chosen from 500 applicants and will join a class of 40 on the Mental Health Nurse Leadership Programme ran by the Florence Nightingale Foundation.

Designed to enhance the careers of nurses caring for those with mental ill health, the programme runs from September to December and offers bespoke leadership development training.

It has been found to have a positive and empowering impact on staff and improved patient and health outcomes.

The programme looks at different themes including identification of personal leadership style, greater self-presence and personal impact, increasing confidence, continuous workplace improvement and positive change in a practice setting.

Due to the pandemic, the sessions will be run virtually and ends with a ceremony celebrating the success of the new Florence Nightingale Nurses.

Rachael said: “I wanted to do something that will help me be better in my job.

“This programme will help me progress in my career and lead to more opportunities. I’m always keen to do things that will take me out of my comfort zone and build my confidence.”

Rachael works half the week in the Northumberland children’s crisis team and the other half in the practice education team as an education support nurse.

This is a new role which involves working with apprentice nurses, helping develop the apprenticeship programme and offering pastoral support to nurses who may be struggling to balance their work and studies.

Community nurse practitioner Rosie was encouraged by her manager to apply for the programme.

She specialises in early intervention in mental health, providing short term intervention, assessment and liaison for children and young people who are presenting with emotional and mental health problems.

Rosie said: “I jumped at the opportunity for the programme. I’m passionate about early intervention and feel that the programme will be able to channel my enthusiasm and experience in this area to develop my personal leadership style.

“I also hope the programme will increase my confidence in a leadership role.”