Nursing students help light the way during Florence Nightingale remembrance event

A nursing student has spoken about what it meant represent the profession during a recent event to celebrate Victorian nursing leader Florence Nightingale.

Kerry Azhar, a Child Branch student nurse went along to the ‘Service to Commemorate the life of Florence Nightingale’ held at Westminster Abbey last month, with Evans Akyeampong, 3rd year Learning Disability student.

They also both took part in a student panel at St Thomas’ Hospital earlier in the day with 80 of their peers and leading health professionals.

They discussed nursing experiences and the challenges faced in healthcare and as future leaders of the future how the role would be shaped and to consider topics such as the future of nurse education.

They day concluded with a lamp procession through the Abbey. The lamp is a symbol traditionally associated with Florence Nightingale.

Of the experience, Kerry said: “This was an incredible experience and I am very grateful I had the opportunity to participate. The interaction with researchers and policy makers was an invaluable experience as light was thrown on not only current issues but also potential future challenges likely to be faced by the nursing profession.

“The whole day instilled the importance of nursing and our passion and pride in nursing. It was very inspiring, educational and thought provoking and I recommend other students to participate and support the Florence nightingale foundation when given the opportunity.”

For more about the University of Northampton’s Learning Disability course, see our website.