Newly qualified UCLH Careers Facilitators with Debbie Whitaker, and book signing of Sally Bibb’s The Strengths Book: Discover How to Be Fulfilled in Your Work and in Life
Engaging Minds were lucky enough to be chosen to design and deliver the University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Careers Facilitators Training Programme recently. My colleague Debbie Whitaker has spent the last couple of months with a group of seventeen specially selected Careers Facilitators giving them the knowledge, skills and confidence to support others with their career development.
There was such a buzz in the room on the final day of the training programme. The attendees were skilled up and excited to be part of the team that will be offering one-to-one careers support to nurses – support that is available to any nurse in the UCLH Trust.
“I enjoyed the session. It made me feel excited about future opportunities.”
“It was an amazing session that clarified all the questions and doubts I had.”
These are just two quotes from nurses about one-to-one career conversations they’ve had with UCLH Career Facilitators this week. Proof of the training transforming into beneficial practice.
At the heart of the Engaging Minds approach to career support is the fact that to be fulfilled in our career we have to play to our strengths most of the time at work. The reality is that the majority of us don’t know our strengths or what really motivates us, so it’s hard to be sure we’re making the right choices or, at least, not limiting our options.
For any nurse who’s not sure of their career options, feels a bit stuck or just wants some space to step back and think about what they want from their work, a one-to-one career conversation with a Facilitator is a great opportunity. The confidential conversation is a chance to take time out to reflect on what they really want and how to go about achieving it. All the Careers Facilitators are nurses (one is a midwife), so they can relate to any challenges being faced.
Debbie said this about the group:
“It’s been a real privilege working with UCLH’s Career Facilitators. They’re passionate about making a difference to other nurses. Their commitment is immense – they’ve invested a huge amount of personal time and energy to train as Career Facilitators, to give their colleagues the best possible development support.”
Working with nurses is one of the most rewarding parts of my work life. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to play this small part in supporting nurses with their careers.
The Engaging Minds strengths-based approach to career development is adopted by organisations that are keen to improve their engagement, retention and individual ownership of careers. If you’re curious about the approach, do contact us or click the button below to find out more.
