A campaign which aims to inspire people into nursing roles in the NHS is being shared this National Careers Week.

National Careers Week begins on Monday March 6 and is a one-week celebration of careers guidance and free resources in education across the UK.

Amongst those featured on the 'We Are the NHS' campaign, is Asha Day.

When Asha's younger siblings were born prematurely, she knew she had to step up to help her mother.

"It was this early experience that inspired Asha to join the NHS. She describes how the care, compassion, and kindness shown to her siblings by the NHS nursing team made her want to pursue a career where she could help people too.

She said: “There were always hospital appointments we needed to take the twins to. Despite only being 10 years old, I knew how important a good healthcare system was to their survival.” 

Forty years later, Asha can’t see herself anywhere else. 

She said: “I’m currently in a senior nursing role that I never imagined reaching at the start of my career.” 

Asha, is Head of International Recruitment, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust / Head of Nursing, Midwifery & AHPs Inclusion, LLR ICB. 

In her day to day role,  she supports internationally recruited nurses start their career with the NHS.

 “As part of this, I provide them with clinical training, mentoring, and both emotional and pastoral support.

“When I first went into public health, I did notice disparities but there has been a lot of positive change since.”

 “Look at all the fantastic international nurses we now have strengthening our workforce!”

Lancashire Telegraph:

Asha, is Head of International Recruitment, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust / Head of Nursing, Midwifery & AHPs Inclusion, LLR ICB. 

Dr Navina Evans, Chief Workforce Officer at NHS England began her career as a psychiatrist within East London Foundation Trust, progressing to consultant psychiatrist, before taking on senior management responsibilities. 

She worked her way up to clinical director and is now the first Asian woman to lead Health Education England.

She said:. “Diversifying leadership is a start and repeated studies have shown diverse leaderships often perform better.

“Nurses are the backbone of the NHS and will always be in high demand.

"The pandemic has highlighted the need for greater versatility and adaptability within healthcare, and we must prioritise senior nursing roles that will help us plan for the long term. Right now, there’s a great opportunity for people with the right skill-set and values to join the NHS.”

Like Navina, Asha’s family have been extremely supportive of her career. 

She said: “My family had experienced medical emergencies and understood the importance of nursing so they fully supported my decision as they saw the positive impact I could make.

“Patients often remember the nurse; the encouraging words often spoken, and the daily acts of kindness and compassion shown to them has a lasting impression.

 “The NHS has a range of positions available and plenty of opportunities for you to excel. We are the largest employer in the UK and there is a role here for everybody.”

You can find more about nursing careers by clicking here