Fiona Houlihan 

“I started my nursing career at age 17 – there never was a plan B. I was always going to be a nurse and that was it. I am still as excited to be a nurse now as I was when I first started.”

“I have had quite a diverse career leading to the role I am in now. My current post spans the six health and social care partnerships (HSCPs) in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, encompassing almost 100 nurses. I professionally lead and support the delivery, planning and development of community children’s nursing clinical services.”

“As well as acting as a role model for this service and ensuring that nursing care is compassionate and family centred, I am concentrating on the nursing teams and my leadership role in maintaining the service focus on equality and truly Getting It Right for Every Child.”

“This deployment was life-changing for me. It was the most challenging thing I have ever done, and it brought together everything I have ever learned in community nursing – mobilising a team, delegating roles, keeping people motivated all while showing high quality care and compassion to the people who came through the doors at such a vulnerable time.”

“I am really enjoying this role; I am still relatively new, and I still have lots I want to do as I feel I can bring about change while keeping everyone motivated. I am a strong leader committed to improvement.”

“I see the development and support of the nursing staff in the team to be a crucial component of my role. I believe each nurse leaves a lasting legacy for their patients.”

“It came along at the right time and enabled me to take stock, to take time for myself and to afford that to other people too.”

“It has helped me almost find peace in my career; it has given me space to reflect in order to truly make a difference.”

“Tenacity, good communication skills, critical decision-making and advanced clinical skills are key to the role. I have to be courageous, to believe in myself to speak out for minority groups. I am communicating with a wide range of people across services every day, and I need to be able to adapt and tailor that communication.”

“It is about making really well-thought-out judgment calls – giving logical, professional, quality assured answers back and standing by my decisions. Powers of observation are crucial too, being able to read the unsaid. Care and compassion are central, and I also need the best clinical skills and expert knowledge – it is about constantly developing myself and pushing the boundaries to be the best version of myself I can be.”

“I can leave my job that night and say, ‘I changed an outcome for someone today’ and there aren’t many jobs where you can do that.”