Two University of Stirling student nurses have become the first to join a groundbreaking leadership programme to support newly qualified nurses as they begin their careers.

Brooke McAteer and Isla Peacock, who are graduating from the University this year, are the inaugural participants in the Leadership Development Pathway for Newly Qualified Nurses, developed by the University of Stirling in partnership with NHS Forth Valley.

The pair were formally welcomed to the programme by Scotland’s Chief Nursing Officer, Professor Aisha Holloway, and Marissa Parker, Chief Nurse for NHS Forth Valley’s NMAHP Practice Development Unit and Honorary Clinical Associate Professor, University of Stirling.

Brooke McAteer, from Stirling, said: “I’m delighted to have been selected for the pathway. Having the support and guidance of experienced leaders during my first year as a newly qualified nurse is a fantastic opportunity, and I’m excited to continue developing my leadership skills.”

Isla Peacock, from Perth, said: “I’m excited to be part of the first cohort of the Leadership Development Pathway. It will provide invaluable support as I begin my career as a registered nurse and help me build the skills and confidence to develop as a future leader.”

The year-long initiative has been designed to support newly qualified nurses as they transition into practice, while developing the leadership, quality improvement and innovation skills needed to become the next generation of nursing leaders.

Dr Lorraine Armstrong, Lecturer in Nursing at the University of Stirling, who proposed the initiative, said: “This pathway has been designed to support newly qualified nurses during that period of transition into employment from student nurse to registered practitioner. Through this coherent development pathway, we will help them build confidence, develop leadership capabilities and recognise the many opportunities available to them within practice.”

The programme will provide structured development opportunities, including quality improvement training, mentoring, coaching from senior leaders, leadership planning and opportunities to contribute to service improvement projects.

Participants will also gain first-hand insight into senior leadership roles, share their experiences with current nursing students and receive support to continue their leadership development through further funded study.

Marissa Parker, Lynsey Sutherland, Lorraine Armstrong, Isla Peacock, Brooke McAteer, Aisha Holloway, Professor Jayne Donaldson and Professor Ashley Shepherd

Professor Aisha Holloway, Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland, said: “This pathway is an excellent example of how universities, health boards and partners can work together to support the next generation of nurses. By creating opportunities for talented students and supporting them as they transition into practice, we are helping build a strong, diverse and sustainable nursing workforce for Scotland.”

Marissa Parker, Chief Nurse for NHS Forth Valley’s NMAHP Practice Development Unit and Honorary Clinical Associate Professor, University of Stirling, said: “This pathway is about investing in the future of nursing. By identifying and supporting aspiring leaders at the very start of their careers, we can help them develop the confidence, skills and experience needed to lead positive change for patients, colleagues and services. Working in partnership with the University of Stirling allows us to create opportunities that strengthen the nursing profession and support the workforce of the future.”

The programme is open to student nurses who go on to secure registered nursing posts at NHS Forth Valley. Across four stages, participants will undertake leadership and quality improvement activities, receive coaching from senior leaders and complete projects focused on enhancing patient experience and care.

Find out more about studying nursing at the University of Stirling here and watch our film about leadership in nursing here.

The Leadership Development Pathway for Newly Qualified Nurses is underpinned by the longstanding Forth Valley University College NHS Partnership, the first formal regional partnership between a health board, university and college in Scotland, which aims to improve patient care and treatment for communities across the region.