“Inspirational”, “determined” and “the perfect mentor” is how her colleagues describe Lea Walker.
A nurse at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Lea has been a part of the fabric of Ward 8D for 14 years, since joining as a Healthcare Assistant when it was Ward 3B in the old Royal. This International Women’s Day, we’re shining a spotlight on Lea’s journey at LUHFT, and how she embodies this year’s theme of “inspiring inclusion.”
Over the last decade, Lea, 33, has evolved and grown her career. Now as Ward Manager on the Infectious Diseases ward, she’s supporting the development of others - many who are embarking on the journey she did herself when she first stepped foot on the ward in 2010.
“I didn’t have a clue what to do when I first started, I fell into healthcare with no idea what to expect. It was a big learning curve starting as a HCA, but I felt really well supported by the team from the off. I was promoted to higher-level HCA with more responsibility, before being encouraged by my managers to apply for a secondment to nursing which meant that in 2015, I went to university for three years before coming back to 3B as a nurse. It felt like going back home.”
Lea says that without that encouragement from her senior colleagues to take the step into higher education and become a nurse, she wouldn’t have been able to progress her career like she has. Now one year into her role as Ward Manager on 8D, Lea reflects on how far she’s come.
“There are still some staff on the ward that I worked with back when I started as a HCA, so it’s special to be a part of this team. I know what it’s like to work in different roles and I’ve learnt so much from my mentors. I hope I can now provide that leadership and support for my staff to encourage their professional development. I’ve championed colleagues to take secondments to develop their careers and encouraged HCAs to apply for the Trainee Nursing Associates (TNA) programme, if they want to take the step into nursing like I did.”
Lea’s passion in supporting, developing and championing her staff was recognised at LUHFT’s 2023 staff awards, when she was a finalist in the ‘Leading Light’ category - an award that recognises compassionate leadership, improved team culture and equality, diversity and inclusion.
“I was so shocked to see my name amongst all the other nominees. It was a proud moment and I’m glad it was the Leading Light category because of what it stands for. We’re a tight knit team and make sure that we look after each other. I love nursing and I want my team to feel the same. Supporting, championing each other and making people feel valued is what makes you want to stay on the ward. Even if I was a millionaire, I’d still be involved in nursing in some way – it’s a part of who you are.”
If you’re interested in joining Team LUHFT, visit our Careers website.