Nurses' Day 2021

"During the pandemic, I noticed black nurses weren’t always getting the protection they needed. I created Equality 4 Black Nurses, a vital support group for nurses who feel they’ve been discriminated against at work."

> Neomi's story

"I am a nurse consultant providing specialist care for people with severe COVID-19. I work in one of only five UK units that offer extracorporeal membrane oxygenation – a support for patients whose lungs are struggling to function."

> Jo-anne's story

"I am a heath care assistant working in a pain and palliative care team to make sure no-one dies alone during the pandemic. I get to know my patients’ individual needs and I’m there for them and their families during the last days of their lives."

> Lisa's story

"I’m an RCN cultural ambassador supporting BAME nursing staff. During the pandemic, I co-founded the British Indian Nurses Association to offer coaching, mentoring and friendship for nurses of Indian origin working in the UK."

> Suresh's story

"I’m the clinical co-ordinator of a COVID-19 mass vaccination centre. I monitor stocks, oversee vaccinators, and make sure the centre is as efficient and patient-friendly as possible. This is a proud moment for nursing. Hope really is in our hands."

> Louise's story

"I’m a care home manager. When COVID-19 arrived in the UK, I used my experience as an infection control nurse specialist to act fast, keeping the virus out and my residents safe."

> Alison's story

 "The pandemic transformed the final year of my nursing degree. I took on a paid clinical placement in an A&E department and moved in with other nursing students to keep my family safe."

> Amin's story

"I am a research matron who ran COVID-19 vaccine trials. I coordinate skilled teams, specialist equipment and meticulous process to create safe and successful trials. It’s an honour to be part of the vaccine programme. I'm so proud to say I'm a nurse."

> Aileen's story

"As an advanced nurse practitioner, I created a street nursing initiative to reach people experiencing homelessness. During the pandemic I helped provide care for those temporarily housed in hotels, while advocating for those left outside. This situation has shown the importance of street outreach."

> Rosa's story

"I’m a matron running busy ICUs in normal times. During the pandemic we expanded significantly and depended on nurses from other areas to support us. My focus is always on supporting staff to do their best in the most difficult circumstances. It’s the hardest thing any of us have ever done, but the team is amazing, and it’s a privilege to care for patients who are suffering so terribly."

> Elaine's story

"I’m an RCN steward who speaks up for nursing staff. I helped one nurse get the adapted uniform she needed following her cancer treatment. It took a lot of courage for her to ask for support, but now her dignity has been restored."

> Hilary's story

"I led six care homes during the pandemic. I fought for more PPE and testing, and used technology to improve patient care and provide vital family contact. It’s been a scary year for us all, but support from other nursing staff and the local community have helped us through."

> Linda's story