Exeter Leukaemia Fund empowers future nurses through its fellowship scheme: Jade’s story
At the heart of outstanding healthcare is a team of dedicated professionals, continuously striving to improve their knowledge and skills for the benefit of their patients. At Exeter Leukaemia Fund we recognise this and have created a fellowship scheme, which supports staff at the Haematology Centre at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. The fellowship scheme enables Haematology Centre staff to attend conferences, courses or undertake training that enhances patient care. One inspiring example of the scheme's impact is the story of Jade.
Jade is a young mum of two children and currently works as an Assistant Practitioner on Yarty Ward. With a passion for nursing and a strong desire to grow in her career, she had reached a crossroads. Having progressed as far as she could in her role, Jade dreamed of becoming a nurse but knew that the financial and personal commitments of pursuing a degree as a mum would be daunting. That’s where we stepped in.
Through the fellowship scheme, Jade received the support she needed to begin her nursing degree; an opportunity she says would not have been possible without ELF’s backing. Now in the final stages of her second year and currently on placement, Jade is on track to begin her third and final year in September. Once complete, she will qualify as a registered nurse and be able to take her career to the next level while continuing to provide outstanding care to patients on Yarty Ward.
“I’m so thankful to ELF for making this dream possible,” says Jade. “Without the fellowship, I wouldn’t have been able to do this.”
Jade’s story is a powerful example of how ELF’s support transforms lives, not just for staff, but for patients and their families. Jade told us she often hears positive feedback from patients about ELF’s support services, which range from counselling to financial support and transport. For Jade, the most rewarding part of her job is forming relationships with the patients on Yarty Ward and supporting them through their treatment journey.
To those considering a nursing career, Jade offers some advice: “If you are thinking about becoming a nurse, do it as early as you can. It’s definitely easier before you have other commitments, but it’s never too late.”
The ELF Fellowship Scheme is more than financial support. It’s a commitment to improving patient care by investing in the people who provide it. Jade’s journey is just one example of how ELF is making a real difference in the lives of haematology staff and blood cancer patients alike.
ELF receives no government funding, and the services we provide are only possible thanks to the generous donations of people like you. All donations, no matter what size, make a huge difference to people fighting blood cancer. Please click here to donate to ELF. Thank you.