Rising Stars Programme
Empowering people to grow, reflect and lead with confidence
Invest in your future as a Nurse or AHP
The Rising Stars programme is an evidence-based, career development programme led by the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QICN). It’s created to be engaging, supportive and transformational.
Ideal for early- to mid-career Nurses and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs)
Free of charge to you and your employer
100% of participants would recommend the programme to a colleague!
As a QICN organisational member, we are offering limited funded places. You can submit an expression of interest (EOI) before end October 2026. Successful applicants will be invited to join the programme commencing in 2027.
Please discuss with your line-manager before applying to ensure you have employer approval. Due to limited spaces, on your EOI we recommend you really highlight why you want to be a Rising Star and how you will share your learnings with others.
Learn more about the Rising Stars programme
What does the programme involve?
The Rising Stars Programme provides protected learning time for:
Four online career development support sessions, delivered by expert staff members and Fellows of the QICN
Facilitated workshops and reflective practice
Coaching and peer learning
A psychologically safe space to share experiences and ideas
Support to explore career aspirations, goals and future pathways
What are the outcomes?
The programme helps you:
Build your confidence and self belief
Become more reflective about your strengths and values as a clinician
Develop your leadership capability
Support your career progression, aspirations, goals and dreams
Thrive in your current role
Articulate your skills, knowledge and experience
Shape your future career pathway
On completion, you will receive a certificate.
Gain personal and organisational benefits from being a Rising Star
You'll benefit from...
Dedicated, protected time to focus on your career
Greater clarity about personal values, strengths and direction
Increased confidence and self esteem
Practical coaching and reflective tools
Support to recognise your contribution to patients and organisations
As one Rising Star shared:
When I was nominated for the QICN’s Rising Stars programme it felt like a turning point - a moment of grace and opportunity. The programme became a catalyst for transformation. Through the discussions, mentorship, and shared experiences, I gained a clarity I had never known before. I began to understand not only what I wanted to do, but who I was becoming.
Your organisation will benefit by...
Developing confident and motivated staff
Supporting retention and career satisfaction
Encouraging reflection, growth and leadership at all career stages
Investing in future leaders within community and primary care
Feedback shows that 100% of Rising Stars wish to pursue their career with their current Trust.
See what previous Rising Stars have said about the programme
Brilliant programme… a boost for my self-esteem and confidence.
Really beneficial to reflect on my self-worth and learn about the skills I already have to offer my organisation and patients.
Connecting with like-minded people and seeing the difference in confidence… from the first session to the fourth.
Being able to share my thoughts and at the same time feeling encouraged to reflect on myself in more depth.
100% of participants would recommend the programme to a colleague!
To date, the programme has supported over 40 Nurses and AHPs, creating space for shared learning, reflection and professional discussion.
Participants consistently described the Rising Stars programme as:
Supportive, calm and welcoming
Confidence building
A safe space to reflect and share
Relevant to real community and primary care roles
The Rising Stars programme has given me a space to talk, reflect and evaluate my nursing career with like-minded colleagues, and has inspired me to think more about what I see for myself in the future and what is important to me personally and professionally as a nurse.
Rachel
The course to date has been a great space to think about the why I am doing what I am doing. At present primary care has felt very reactive therefore it has been beneficial to have a space with a variety of clinicians at different stages in their career, to reflect on what I am doing and what can I change to ensure I achieve my long term goals.
Desi
