Leanne Grant 

“I love lists and organisation, so juggling many things has always been both a skill and a passion. It seemed only natural that I would be drawn to clerical roles but working as a receptionist at the Ministry of Defence medical centre, and being inspired by the nurses I met there, sparked an interest in healthcare. I could see how my skillset was transferable and a new ambition was born.”

“One of my first recollections of health care was from about four years old. I have a clear image of my mum giving birth to my sister. It was a home birth, but I remember she was taken to the hospital immediately after.”

“This inspired me to train as a community midwife, but I became so established in district nursing on the journey that I have never fully worked as a midwife since qualifying! In fact, my midwifery registration has lapsed because I haven’t practiced since training.”

“I am naturally curious, and I like to get to know people. Once I started working with the district nursing team there was no turning back. No two days are the same, even if you’re visiting the same person for the same reason. You get to know people quite intimately, often meeting someone’s family, learning their history and understanding the qualities that are unique to them. You’re interacting with the whole person.”

“As Lead Specialist Practitioner District Nurse my job is part clinical and part staff management, but the aspect of my job that brings the most joy is improving someone else’s day. Whether it’s making a difference for someone in their own home or enabling someone to take last minute leave, I feel energised by creating opportunity for others.”

“I don’t think I knew what I expected it to be, but the programme has helped me to take a deep and proper look at myself. Previously, my self-reflection was more superficial. I have had challenges with co-creation and find it challenging not to let my own ideas be the driving influence.”

“Although I have always been effective at telling someone when they’ve done an excellent job, I now realise how important it is to give considered, constructive feedback. Understanding the amount of quality reflection that I need myself, has helped me to mull over other decisions and staff interactions more thoughtfully.”

“Coaching was a test for me at the beginning. I was afraid of opening doors I wouldn’t be able to close again, and it made me over cautious. Following the residential when our active learning sets met in person, I think many of us understood that we were all being challenged by the programme but that those challenges were a part of the process. It really clicked with me after that point.”

“The Queen’s Nurse programme has taught me the value of making small decisions rather than big ones. Small steps allow people to share their opinion, become familiar with an idea and know that their views have been heard.”

“There are many other Queen’s Nurses in NHS Lothian, and I was grateful to be able to connect with those colleagues online. I know these connections are something I can explore further and use to strengthen my career.”

“Building my network also helps me to make introductions for others. Offering staff, the opportunities to shadow or linking them with others to inspire them to develop the knowledge they need, for example to study non-medical prescribing or end of life care.”