Published on: 4 April 2019
Community Psychiatric Nurse Amy Harcombe is aiming to inspire young people to train as healthcare professionals and join her in the NHS.
Amy, who is based at our Killamarsh Clinic in North Derbyshire, has been volunteering her time as part of the nationwide Inspiring the Future programme.
Inspiring the Future aims to put schools in touch with volunteers from the world of work who can give youngsters insight into exciting careers.
Amy, who last year won a Derbyshire Healthcare award for being the Trust’s Rising Star, said: “I signed up to the programme via NHS mail after seeing an advert. I felt my route to becoming a nurse might inspire others to begin the career, as I did not start my nursing journey until I was 27.”
'Brilliant day'
In March 2019 she visited a careers event at Eckington School in Derbyshire which she described as “a brilliant day”. She talked to Year 11 students about her career as a nurse, including her personal career progression, what attitudes and values are needed and how students could maximise their chances of succeeding in the NHS. She was also pleased to have the chance to advise some A-Level students about possible routes for a career in nursing.
Staff at Eckington School were delighted with Amy’s visit and the school tweeted after the event: “Thank you to the fantastic Community Psychiatric Nurse Amy Harcombe for enthusing our Year 11 about all things medical.”
Amy added: “I have also volunteered my time in a Primary school in Sheffield to talk about what being a nurse involves and Peaks College in Sheffield for a talk to two Health and Social Care groups who wanted to understand the nursing job role and the routes to beginning their nursing career.”
“I find these events so interesting as it enables me to pass on my knowledge and experience of the nursing role and my journey through University to gain my qualifications. I feel that I am able to connect with the students and I have gained only positive feedback from each school I have attended.
“Schools have commented on how valuable they find my visits and feel that it is a great experience for the children. It is so valuable for young people see an adult in their nursing role and start to ask questions about how to get into the world of work.”
