Two Cumbrian nurses share inspiring stories ahead of Nurses Day

Kelly Manford and Christabel Chinonso Uluocha, who both work at the West Cumberland Hospital, have paid tribute to their profession ahead of the day, the date of which - May 12 - was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale in 1820.

“I want to take the opportunity to thank all of our nurses as we mark International Day of the Nurse," said North Cumbria Integrated Care's chief nurse, Jill Foster.

"They do an amazing job day in day out and without them we would be lost.”

As well as recruiting more than 300 internationally educated nurses over the last few years, a ‘grow your own’ scheme has seen NCIC appointing hundreds of people locally into the Trust and supporting them to develop and train while they work. 

As a result, the nursing vacancy rate at NCIC has dropped significantly and nursing vacancies are now 'the lowest they’ve ever been'.

“The good news is there are more opportunities for nurses in Cumbria than ever before," Ms Foster added. "This allows us to keep more local talent in the area, give our staff the recognition they deserve and help them reach their potential.”

The nurses have shared their stories below:

Kelly Manford, a former beauty therapist, was painting someone's toes when they suggested nursing as a career. Here she shares her story:

If nursing has always been your ambition, it’s never too late to change your career path. 

Kelly Manford was a beauty therapist for 15 years when she enrolled on the Step into Work scheme – a six week programme that gives candidates experience they need to get a job in healthcare.

Kelly said: “My Step into Work placement was on Ward 4 at West Cumberland Hospital which is elderly care.  As soon as I stepped onto the floor and got to work with people, I knew it was what I wanted to do. I was there for a week or two but by the end all I wanted was to find out how to be a nurse.

“The feeling you get from helping people in need is overwhelming, it's not even the thank you, but the look in their eyes of thanks or the smile they give you. Even being able to give them time to have a chat with you it's priceless.”

Kelly found about the programme from one of her clients who was a nurse. She said: “A client suggested I get into nursing as I had said I wanted to be able to do something where I can help people. I'd explained I didn't have my GCSE maths or English and she suggested the Step into Work programme.

“After looking into it I was interviewed for a place. I kept working throughout the course which was hard but with the course being unpaid I needed to keep a wage. Step into work gave me the chance to see if I enjoyed working in health care before changing my career.”

Kelly was then successful in securing a bank healthcare assistant job.

“I was successful on the course and got a bank healthcare role and bank back on Ward 4 but my heart was set on A&E. The first thing I did was speak to the apprenticeship team to find out what I needed to do to get on the nursing apprenticeship. A year later, I had gained my Maths and English qualifications, a permanent contract in A&E and got a place to start the apprenticeship.

“The apprenticeship is a fantastic way to learn as you earn and have no student loans. You do nine placements and then work on base when not on placement. I have had some fantastic placements throughout the three year apprenticeship and met some people who have taught me so much. The trust has some really amazing people. 

“It's not all plain sailing having three children and a husband that works shifts. It's very hard to juggle childcare, tutorials and assessments but focusing on the end goal of becoming a nurse kept me going. 

“You form bonds with your fellow students and you all pull each other through, I had a very challenging time when I lost my brother in year three and my fellow students helped get me through to the end of the course. They are amazing people.”

“I now have a lifetime in blues ahead of me. It’s been a roller coaster of a ride and I wish I could remember the lady whose toes I was painting to thank her for suggesting it to me, to take the leap.

“I would recommend it to anyone. It is a roller-coaster and having a good support system around you and good resilience is the key.

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Christabel Chinonso Uluocha, a nurse from NCIC, has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Diabetes Nursing Awards 2024.

Demonstrating outstanding commitment, innovation, and excellence in diabetes care, diabetes specialist nurse Christabel Chinonso Uluocha, who works at the West Cumberland Hospital, beat off tough competition to be named a finalist in the Rising Star Award category.

Christabel joined NCIC in March last year. She sadly lost both of her parents to diabetes.

She said: “The death of both of my parents due to complications of diabetes resonated into a huge passion for diabetes management so I was overjoyed when I got the Diabetes Specialist Role with NCIC.

“I love everything about my job from my beautiful team who helped me fit into the role effortlessly, to my patients who I owe an obligation of adequate care, support, kindness, respect and compassion.

“During the last year, I have received positive feedback from my patients and colleagues yet this nomination came as a huge surprise to me. I still feel overwhelmed about by it all and so do my family.

My son said to me: “Mummy, your parents died for you to stand in the gap and prevent others from dying”.

I agree totally with him as I see this role as a medium to fulfil a purpose and I remain eternally grateful to God, my late parents, NCIC and to my team for making it possible for me to make an impact in the lives of people in this world of diabetes.”

Sarah Bragg, diabetes specialist Nurse, said: “As someone who has worked with Christabel closely for the last year, I can honestly say that Christabel is a role model for what nursing professionals should aspire to be. 

“Christabel’s ongoing passion for her work and her patients, caring attitude towards others and aspiration to be the best she can be is desirable.  Christabel has been a fantastic colleague, and I hope she continues to strive for greatness – I have the upmost confidence in her abilities. 

“Christabel’s wealth of knowledge from many medical backgrounds is recognised as we discuss patients and their holistic issues and this shows Christabel’s development as a healthcare professional – not just a Diabetes Specialist Nurse.

"As Christabel’s senior nurse in the Diabetes Team, I speak on behalf of myself and the team – we are extremely proud of Christabel and her achievements in the last 13 months of working in the diabetes field. 

“We recognise how hard she works daily and I believe that she is very deserving of the Rising Star Award, we hope she will be rewarded for her compassion and commitment to the role, the team and the NHS. “

Joanne Wills, service manager, added: “Over the short time that I have known Christabel her passion for supporting patients with diabetes is obvious and shines through. She is caring, compassionate and keen to develop herself in the field of diabetes and is well deserving of a nomination in the rising star category.”

And Diabetes Nursing Awards event organiser, Emily Mayhew, said: "We are thrilled to recognise remarkable individuals who have dedicated themselves to advancing diabetes care and education. Their innovative approaches and tireless efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of people living with diabetes."

The Diabetes Nursing Awards event be held at the Thistle Marble Arch in London on Friday, June 7.

How can you become a nurse in Cumbria? 

• Cadets & T Levels: Level 3 college course with placements. After two years cadets will have the qualifications, skills and experience needed to begin work as a health care assistant or to continue their nursing journey. 
• Nursing associate apprenticeship: two year programme open to staff from the Trust to bridge the gap between health care assistants and registered nurses. 
• Nursing degree apprenticeships: apprenticeship route to a nursing degree open to Trust staff. 
• There are masters route shortened programmes (2 years) for those with prior health care experience and a degree in a relevant subject – these are traditional route programmes provided by universities and are not available as apprenticeships. MSc Pre-Registration Nursing/Registered Nurse: Adult Nursing - University of Cumbria   
• University degree: traditional route into nursing, three year university programme with placements