With it being International Nurses Day on Monday 12 May, we met Andrea Boland, a qualified nurse with over 38 years in the NHS. In this interview, Andrea tells us among many other things about her role, what her job entails, what made her embark on a career in the NHS and what International Nurses Day means for her.

What is your name and job title?

My name is Andrea Boland and I’m the Deputy Director of Nursing in the Health and Care Education Sub-Directorate and Deputy Director of Workforce, Training and Education in the North West.

Tell us about your role, and a brief description of what you do?

I work in the Workforce, Training and Education Directorate in the North West and lead the Health and Care Education Sub-Directorate. Within my portfolio is Nursing, Midwifery, Public Health, Allied Health Professions (AHP), Medical Associate Professions and Advanced Practice, Multiprofessional Cancer and Diagnostics and Healthcare Science, Mental Health, Psychological Professions, and Learning Disability and Autism.

We provide professional and educational leadership across all workforce demand and supply matters for the above professions. We do this by liaising with partners and key stakeholders to plan, recruit, educate and develop the clinical workforce across health and social care.

What do you like most about your role / working for the NHS?

I have worked for the NHS for over 38 years in a variety of roles, I have had the pleasure of working with so many inspirational colleagues. I firmly believe every day is a learning day and no two days are ever the same.

Can you tell us why you embarked on nursing as a career?

Both my parents and my sister were in the caring profession, and I could see their passion and drive to contribute to caring for people. It was this that provided me with the impetus to look at nursing as a career. I was 17 at the time and reminiscing all this time in the NHS and the nursing profession I wouldn’t change anything in terms of the choice I made. I feel I have been able to really make an impact on caring for people by being a nurse.

What does International Nurses Day mean to you?

Andrea on her graduation day

For me it is a day to mark the invaluable contribution of nurses worldwide. It recognises their hard work, dedication and the crucial role they play in healthcare.

What would you say to somebody advising them about working across health and social care?

My daughter and my husband both work in health and social care. I wouldn’t hesitate recommending people to think about a career in health and social care, not just nursing which I completely admire and adore. The health economy provides lots of varied roles and opportunities, and no two days are the same. I’ve been in this field for so many years and I’m still learning new things. I don’t think there are many professions that provide opportunities like this.

What could colleagues do to help you with the work you’re doing?

Be creative, be open minded, be honest and please always ask for help if you need it.

Finish the sentence – “At work I am always learning that …”

…open and honest communication and teamwork are essential for success.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Respect is not a thing that comes through name, profession or money, respect is something earned through the things you do and the way you live.

What’s your one top tip when remote or home working?

Establish a dedicated workspace. Having a specific area for work helps create a clear boundary between work and personal life. For me it helps to improve focus and productivity.

What things do you do to look after your health and wellbeing?

Every morning before I start work, I go for a walk. It helps me to reflect on my previous day but also helps me to focus on the day ahead.

Do you have a personal NHS story you’d like to share?

I volunteer at a local hospice, and I am blown away by the care, dedication and support every member of staff at the hospice provides to its patients and their families.

What would your colleagues be surprised to learn about you?

If I wasn’t in my current role I would love to work as a barista (perfecting my Latte art) in a small independent coffee shop in a bookstore.

What’s number one on your bucket list? 

To explore the wonders of the world would be an incredible adventure.