Meet Rolake, a community nurse within our Havering Directorate. She returned to NELFT as a qualified nurse, after working as an administrator within our IT department. How did she find the transition from corporate to clinical? We asked Rolake a few questions. 

What inspired you to choose a new career in healthcare? 

While working in the NELFT IT department as part of a transformation project to build systems that would make life easier for nurses, I became more interested in what nurses do. My manager at the time had originally trained as a nurse and spoke about the diversity of the role so I felt that nursing was a financially secure career.  

What is the most rewarding part of your role? 

Being able to look after vulnerable people. I felt a huge sense of pride when I graduated from my nursing degree, knowing that I had and would continue to make a difference in people’s lives.  

What is the most challenging part of the role? 

Working as a community nurse, you work autonomously and typically attend patient visits on your own. Sometimes it does get lonely, and I wish I was doing visits with a colleague; however, it is nice to come into the clinic to do handovers where I can speak to my team. My supervisor is also always on hand for support if needed during visits. 

Why did you choose to come back to work for NELFT? 

NELFT training is second to none and always made a priority. There are lots of training courses available. Also, as a mother with young children, I have found the flexibility offered to support with work-life balance is great – I currently work Monday to Thursday with 1 weekend a month. It’s a very supportive place to work and as soon as I qualified, I knew I had to come back to NELFT. 

Any top tips on transitioning from corporate to clinical? 

Go for it – talk to people and see if you can find a mentor. I spoke to the student facilitator at NELFT which gave me the courage to begin my nursing training.  

If you are looking for a supportive organisation to embark on a career in healthcare, join #TeamNELFT. You can see all our available vacancies on our careers website – www.careers.nelft.nhs.uk.