Visit by Deputy Chief Nurse in Public Health England
We were absolutely delighted recently to have an audience with Joanne Bosanquet, the Deputy Chief Nurse in Public Health England where we had the opportunity to hear her inspirational journey in her nursing career. A great mixture of undergraduate, master and PhD students attended the event and they all came from different parts of the world (Canada, China, Ghana, Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan and the UK).
We kicked off the event with some pre-talk tea, coffee, biscuits, rainbow fruit skewers and a couple of photos. Chaired by Professor Aisha Holloway, Joanne then started with her aspiration to be a nurse. She loves to be around people and she recalled when she was young she put a bandage on her teddies! Interestingly, when Joanne was about to apply for a nursing school, she was told that she’s not good enough to be a nurse. Joanne mentioned that it was difficult for her to hear those words, but she did not let them change her mind and took them as a challenge instead. It’s amazing to see how far she has come now.
Challenges should be seen as an opportunity to grow was Joanne’s strong take-home message here. She also highlighted the importance of being surrounded by positive people that we can ask for support and advice.
Joanne continued her story with the jobs that she had taken in different nursing fields before she finally found her passion for public health. We were very impressed with her wealth of experience and two hours passed by without we noticing it. In the end, Joanne reminded us that nurses have gained more responsibilities and autonomy in healthcare. Therefore, we must continue to grow as professionals and equip ourselves with leadership and advocacy skills.
Catherine Clarissa, Postgraduate Research Student, Nursing Studies
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