Written by Desi Gillespie on 28/07/2026
I was fortunate to complete the Queen's Institute of Community Nursing (QICN) Rising Stars programme via NATH. The QICN Rising Stars Programme consisted of four one-hour sessions, bringing together professionals from a range of disciplines and at different stages of their careers across the UK. The themes of the sessions included:
First Steps to Success
Identifying Aspirations
The Journey to Success
Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Heard
Why take part in the programme?
The programme encouraged participants to reflect on their current position, explore future ambitions, and develop practical plans to achieve their goals in a safe space with dedicated time.
What I particularly enjoyed about the programme was the opportunity to step back from the fast-paced demands of the NHS and focus on my own professional development. It provided a dedicated space to reflect on where I am in my career, where I would like to be in the future, and the steps I need to take to get there. The discussions around strengths, aspirations, SMART goals, and the GROW model helped turn ideas into realistic actions and encouraged me to think more strategically about my career progression and how I approach my next appraisal. I feel it is common we get lost in the present and meeting the demands of the current service we can forget about ourselves.
What can you gain from the programme?
I would recommend Rising Stars to anyone looking to gain clarity, confidence, and direction in their professional journey. The programme is open to nurses and Allied Health Professionals.
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