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1. I am a Principal Epidemiologist in Public Health Scotland, working on surveillance of respiratory infectious diseases.

2. I believe in public health. To solve a problem you first need to be able to measure it, and to prove or disprove that public health interventions are working you need to be able to study c change outcomes. I know we will never "solve" infectious diseases but to keep up in the arms race against them we need to know the enemy!

3. Studying volcanoes (including field trips!) or owning a bookshop/ coffee shop where I don't need to make money to survive but can just read and chat to customers all day.

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I work in the NHS as a physiotherapist, and have worked in the same trust for 23 years. I knew I wanted to be a physiotherapist from the age of 15, and have loved the profession ever since. I get a sense of worth by helping others, the continuous learning motivates me, and I work with like minded colleagues who have become great friends. My job is a big part of my identity, and I enjoy it (mostly) despite increasing pressures, financial cuts, I have managed to negotiate a career that works for me and keeps a balance

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I am a Physiotherapy Assistant and work in the community. I have worked in the NHS for the past 12 years and learned a lot about myself in that time. which I thank the NHS for. I came into the NHS by accident after a physio said I would be good at the assistant roles within so I applied and never looked back.

I love what I do and enjoy helping children in their rehab and taking them through their rebab journey. I greet with a smile and they always enjoy my sessions.

in a parallel universe I would be travelling around in a VW campervan with my tentbox with the husband and Springer discovering lots of adventures in the wilderness.

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I'm an anaesthetist, with an interest in obstetrics and staff wellbeing.

Initially I did medicine because I was good at science and had a vague desire to help people. Now I do it because I love being there for people in moments of deepest vulnerability and helping them by being competent and kind. Being part of bringing new life into the world is wonderful.

I'm passionate about staff wellbeing because we lost my sister in law (a paediatrician) to suicide recently, and I think Kate could have done with more compassion and care from her colleagues. I'm trying to be the change.

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At present, I currently work for a booking office for Radiology. This isn’t my dream job, it was a position that I was successful for after returning from maternity leave.

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At present, I currently work for a booking office for Radiology. This isn’t my dream job, it was a position that I was successful for after returning from maternity leave.

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I am an inspiring project manager / project support manager within healthcare, I have recently passed a PM Qualification, along with a few other small courses which have given me some great knowledge.

I am very looking forward to progressing my career within the NHS after taking a few years in a lower band job to focus on family.

I think if things were different I’d like to work as a paramedic.

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I'm a Project Support Officer running to admin and communications for a small team of NHS funded youth workers.

Our specialist area is low level mental health support for young people. I love my job because I am able to see the benefits of our teams early intervention and prevention.

In a parallel universe I would be immensely rich, love on a luxury yacht and fund incredible experiences for all the young people we help.

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I am a pharmacist of nearly 20 years. I have always specialised in Cancer & Technical Services and really enjoy the tangible aspects of making doses that will physically go to a patient.

Working in cancer I appreciate the cost of some of the drugs we use are beyond the reach of most working people - so much so people die in other developed countries because they can't afford the drugs under other healthcare systems. It makes me really appreciate the importance of the NHS and how we must all do our part to preserve it.

It would have to be a parrallel world where the NHS didn't exist but as I love to sew perhaps I would be a tailor and help make all the beautiful costumes on strictly!

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I have always wanted to help people and feel I have a keen sense of justice. These are beliefs I have held since I was young. My current job allows me to exercise these beliefs and to try and make a difference supporting some of the most marginalised groups in society.

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I have worked in the NHS for 30+ years. I was forced to leave a ward manager post 7 yrs ago due to ill health. I loved my job and when I left it was like a bereavement. I have changed jobs twice since and I am now again in a manger position in community public health. I love my post. My team are great and feel so fortunate to have a job I love unlike so many in the NHS.  Reflecting on my own ability and attitude to work will help me empower my team.

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I have worked in the NHS for 30+ years. I was forced to leave a ward manager post 7 yrs ago due to ill health. I loved my job and when I left it was like a bereavement. I have changed jobs twice since and I am now again in a manger position in community public health. I love my post. My team are great and feel so fortunate to have a job I love unlike so many in the NHS.  Reflecting on my own ability and attitude to work will help me empower my team.

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I am a lead nurse in a practitioner led minor injuries unit.

We are a small but dynamic team providing high quality care to those patients with acute injuries. I am passionate about patients receiving the best quality care from highly skilled practitioners and supporting my team to do this. I am passionate that they have access to ongoing CPD and education to ensure they achieve their own goals as well as those of the organisation.

I have only ever wanted to be a nurse, but in a parallel universe I might like to be a restaurant critic.

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I am an Admin Team Lead for a health board in Scotland. I enjoy my role for several reasons. I work with a great team, and enjoy the social aspect I get from work. As I have people management responsibilities, I try to influence the work environment to make it positive and supportive for staff as much as possible. I also feel I am positively contributing to patient care/experience in an administrative capacity, for example, offering cancelled appointments to other patients. In a parallel universe, I would be doing something creative. Or I would be a marine biologist!

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I started my career in Pharmacy however life took me on an adventure to Australia for 6 years where I travelled and worked any job I could find.

After I returned to the UK I meandered from job to job liking all of them but not truly loving any.

It was not until my Mum spent nearly a year in hospital and ultimately passed away that I thought I should be doing something I loved. I also felt in some way I wanted to "pay back" the orginasation that looked after not only my Mum but us all during this horrific time.

I applied for the NHS Pharmacy Technician post 2 months after my Mum passed away and now every day (no matter how bad) I am proud and pleased that I am part of an orginisation that's prime objective is to make peoples lives better at the most challenging times.

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I work as a consultant in Acute and General Medicine. I started work in 1996 so heading towards 30 years in the NHS

I am lucky to have chosen a career that I never realised I would enjoy as much as I have until now. I love the fact we are so privileged to spend time involved in peoples lives. Often when they may be at their most vulnerable and if we get it right we can change the way they feel about the situation they find themselves in.

I get sad when I see my younger colleagues not enjoying their work in the way that I do. I hope that if we can bring the focus back to the patients and the impact all of us can have on any individual patient or those that are closest to them, this could change. We may not be able to impact the whole system or change the economy but we do control how we interact with those around us and can influence the culture of a department through role modelling.

I remain optimistic that we can work through the current difficult times and create a new way of working that supports both patients, their loved ones and the staff looking after them. We need to go back to the beginning and think what drove us to start the journey that we are all on and how we do the best for the patients in front of us rather than focusing on the larger failings in the service.

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I am a Clinical Nurse Manager in Primary Care,

I do what I do as I like to work as part of a team and enjoy being part of developing services which make a difference to patients, particularly how they access services. I enjoy working with others and supporting staff I work with make a tangible difference in the lives of patients by ensuring they receive the best possible care.

In a parallel universe, I would be living in the countryside somewhere warm caring for dogs in a place with open fields, water, and plenty of space to explore.

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I'm a Team Lead - Medical Secretary within NHS Lothian. I worked in the private sector for 33yrs and prior to that the WRNS for 5yrs. During the pandemic, WFH and time to reflect on self, realised I wasn't fulfilled in my job so started thinking about what I wanted and determined that I wanted to give back and work within my local community. My eldest daughter is an Advanced Pupil Support Worker and my youngest daughter is a Charge Nurse. I do a lot of voluntary work, but that wasn't enough. So, I managed to get a job within NHS Lothian - I walk to work (helps with my mental well-being) and I feel like I'm contributing and doing something worthwhile :-)

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I work in Health and Wellbeing and Organisational Development and I do what I do because I want people to feel good at work and be able to fulfill their potential. Life is too short not to live it well and I want to support others to be able to do this. I do this for the NHS because I believe strongly we should all have the right to free healthcare when we need it, so it's an organisation I'm proud of.

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I'm currently a student nurse in the final year of my degree.

I chose this career as it's so rewarding and you can make a difference to people everyday. Even if it's one person you still feel like you've made a difference. It gives me huge satisfaction knowing that I am able to help others in times of need, and I get to work with some amazing people who are so knowledgeable and kind.

In a parallel universe I would be an athlete competing professionally.

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I am driven to make a difference to the lives of others through strong leadership and a passion for the wellbeing and development of others.

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I work within learning and development for AHPs but was a clinician prior to this. I do this role to understand and nurture a culture to make learning and development accessible which I think is really important to engage and retain staff who can provide high quality care. I used to have a split post between this and my clinical role but with family commitments I needed to choose one- if I had my way I'd probably still be doing a bit of both.

In a parallel universe I think I would like to write kids stories...

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I am a team lead for adults with complex needs. I am passionate about health and well being of our patients and staff.

It is mostly rewarding when you put a smile on someone's face.

Ensuring that staff are well supported during crises or difficult situation has always been my goal as a peer supporter. The positive impact and the feedback it has makes it worthwhile to go that extra mile to care for our staff and patients well.

In the parallel universe, i would have a cafe that opens 3 times a week just to meet and chat with people.

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I work as a clinical lead in Responsive services, working to keep patients out of hospital and support them in their own homes. I am a physiotherapist but am currently working non clinically, managing clinicians which works for me and my work life balance.

I have worked for the NHS for 17 years since graduating and have seen the shift and challenges over this time. I do what I do because I want to support patients in their own homes, help them maintain their independence, which will inevitably support the individual patients but help to reduce the pressure on acute hospitals.

In a parallel universe I would be working as a genealogist.

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I trained as a Learning Disability Nurse (RNMH in the 90's) and now work as an Organisational Development Consultant in the NHS. I came to this post after 19 years in the area of developing support services for unpaid carers. I do what I do because my intention is to make a positive difference through my day to day work no matter how big or small. I like variety and every person is different and every day is different and our healthcare services and those who work in them need to be nurtured and given spaces to grow and I am privileged and grateful to be able to play a part in this.

In a parallel universe I would take therapy ponies to places where they would brighten the day for people or run a beautiful B&B somewhere in the Greek Islands!

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I'm a consultant in anaesthetics and critical care, and have worked in the NHS for almost 20 years. I work in a medium-sized department which is a pretty tight-knit community, and am lucky to have a bunch of really excellent, supportive colleagues.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a vet, but in the end humans won out. I never saw myself ending up in the specialty I've chosen, and stumbled into anaesthetics & ICU when I was originally training in the Emergency Department. Can't complain about making the switch, and I love the balance of colleague, patient and family interaction I get on a daily basis, in a hands-on job that is different pretty much every day. The work I do lends itself (mostly) reasonably well to working LTFT, which has allowed me a bit more balance since I've become a mum of 3 as well.

In a parallel universe, I'd be an archaeologist (am thinking Indiana Jones-style...) or would run a bookshop/cafe, whilst hanging out with my kids & family, friends and a bunch of cats, dogs and horses. Can but dream!

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I am a team manager of multiple health visiting teams and a 0-5 childhood immunisation team in NHS Lothian. My background is in paediatric nursing then progressing to health visiting. I have always had a passion for advocating for the children and families I have cared for, ensuring they have the right support, have access to opportunities and are able to have the best outcomes individual to their needs. I got great job satisfaction from this and enjoy the impact a good relationship can have. I feel within the NHS we always try hard and go above and beyond for the people we support; however, I don’t think we are as good at doing this with our colleagues and staff. This was one of the driving forces behind me coming into the role of management. Within this role I can continue to have a positive impact for children and families by driving the service forward, but I can also impact on staff. I have a genuine passion for the wellbeing of my staff and strive to ensure they feel fully supported. Work is a huge part of our lives and it’s important to feel valued in this area, respected and fulfilled. I strive to show compassion and empathy, listening to staff and helping them navigate any stressors or challenges. We all have lives outside of work which can throw up additional challenges and we know how this can impact on our relationship and mindset with work. I always aim to be that supportive person a staff member can turn to. This role is undoubtedly the most challenging role I have had, as a team manager is often the sounding board for all things negative however I enjoy creating safe spaces, celebrating my staff and supporting them through their careers, encouraging them to see and focus on the positives. One of the most influential people in my life was a previous team manager and that inspired me for this role as I would love to be that person and have that same impact for others.

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I am a Radiographer who works in Nuclear Medicine for the NHS. What I value most about my work is the autonomy within my role and feeling secure in my skills. One of the biggest influences in my attitude to work is that saying "you should work to live, not live to work". Therefore having a job that means I can't take work home with me (although sometimes mentally), is something that I have really grown to appreciate. Work satisfies my psychological needs as I enjoy being challenged and problem solving is a key part of my role and is something that I do daily.

In a parallel universe I would like to think that I run an all-in-one bookshop/coffee house/bar and work in a hot country.

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I'm a Physiotherapy working in a very remote and rural area, that has seen significant impact post covid on frailty and physical activity. I have responsibility for falls and frailty in the wider area.

I've only recently come back to the NHS after having 9 years away from my profession, after making the decision that my family needed to be put first. But with my family being older I've come back to support my colleagues during what are really challenging times.

In a parallel universe I would run a book and coffee shop with some really good home baked cakes. Although it would probably be in the area of the country where I currently live as it's absolutely beautiful.

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I have been a qualified nurse for almost 26 years, with almost 12 of those at CNS level. I love my work/role and I can't imagine being anything other than a nurse (despite my dad being against it and in another world I might be teaching French and/or German). My career has gone with the flow, I had no a-b plan to work in sexual health and HIV - it has come from experiences, mentors and job satisfaction at a given time.

I get to work autonomously with patients and still love providing direct patient care. However, progress and development has brought me to a role that integrates patient care with management and strategic responsibilities.

The reason I do what I do is probably about impact and making a difference to and for people.

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I work in communications as the digital communications lead in a very large acute Trust. I've been in the NHS for 10 years now after working for a global IT company and then a well-known animal charity in marketing and digital project roles. After working in the corporate sector and taking a year out to travel I came back home and decided I wanted to use my skills to make a difference. I'm passionate about using digital technology to introduce more efficiencies in what we do and also improve communication with staff and patients. The lack of money and slow pace of digital adoption (and literacy) in my Trust is often frustrating but it does mean that there are endless opportunities to make improvements - even on a small scale. It's for this reason, and working with the loveliest colleagues you could wish for, that I stay. I can't actually imagine doing anything else right now but I would like more time and money to travel, go to music festivals and live a healthier lifestyle!

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I work as a project support officer within a community children's mental health service. I do this job as I believe the work I undertake behind the scenes goes towards helping the young people who are under our care. I have amazing support from other members of the service and I really do love my job.

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Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT Technologist 

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Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT Technologist 

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I am a Technologist working in Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT.

I love what I do. Support people through scans many times complicated and at difficult moments.

In a parallel universe I think I would be a Mathematician or a Software Developer

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I am a deputy chief technician for a large and one of the countries busiest aseptic departments. I am also the lead for education and training within this team.

I started in community pharmacy and moved to hospital 6 years ago where I stared as a band 3 ATO. I completed my tech course but now within my aseptic team we are very diverse with many different backgrounds and having qualified techs is becoming something of the past.

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I work in a small staff health and wellbeing team for an NHS Trust, and part of my role is to lead our large staff network of health and wellbeing champions. I have always worked in health improvement and I understand how investing in your health and wellbeing and supporting others to do the same positively impacts the workforce.  

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I work in a small staff health and wellbeing team for an NHS Trust, and part of my role is to lead our large staff network of health and wellbeing champions. I have always worked in health improvement and I understand how investing in your health and wellbeing and supporting others to do the same positively impacts the workforce.  

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I am a Trainee Clinical Scientist working in Fertility services. I have always had a passion to help people and make a difference. With my job, there is bad news but it is the good news and the positive outcomes that keep you going. The fact that as a team we have changed someone's life for the better is a feeling you cannot beat! And every patient is always so grateful.

In a parallel universe, I would be a professional netball player (would need to be a bit taller first!).

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AS an acute respiratory nurse with over 20 years experience, the NHS has changed enormously since I firsdt qualified. The role, job demands .... quality v efficiency, staff sickness, training requirements needed post qualification. Demands on time from both personal and work life affect the ability to perform well.

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Everything I do in life, I want to give something back, whether it is work, personal life and I would like to teach something to make things better. I work as a clinical system trainer and I only have been working for NHS 11 years. I feel sometimes, I wish that I started way before than I guess , the experiences and knowledge wouldn't be the same. I thrive when I see people are positive, supportive and encouraging each other and I set myself as an example. In the end we all want the greater good: happiness. In a parallel universe, I think I would be travelling, meeting new people and building schools and ensuring they have teachers to educate kids.

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I work as a General Practitioner in the NHS, I also work representing GP colleagues. I enjoy my job, it feels good to help others and having been at the same practice for many years I often experience the joy of continuity of care, seeing the patient who has had major difficulties come out the other side, seeing patients recover from major health challenges, I feel grateful to the patients who choose to see me again. Every member of our team has a common goal, to do the best for our patients. Negative emotions in the work place often stem from when our goal is challenged and the worst kind of challenge is the one you cannot control. Excessive workload, limited resources and a climate of constant change with moving goal posts mean the reality of my working life is at times unpleasant. I value my colleagues, my patients and myself knowing I have the skills to have a positive impact and I hope I bring some positivity into my workplace. In a parallel universe I would work as a yoga and fitness instructor in a warmer country by the sea.

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I work in Audiology part-time, and in Staff Wellbeing for the remainder of my working hours. I have always worked in public sector jobs, and for the NHS for the last 21 years. 

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I work in Audiology part-time, and in Staff Wellbeing for the remainder of my working hours. I have always worked in public sector jobs, and for the NHS for the last 21 years. 

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I think I like working in healthcare because I like helping people. I get a reward from knowing I have helped someone feel they are managing their health condition or wellbeing more effectively. I also find the training available, working conditions and benefits of working for the NHS are good, and have been supportive of my needs over the years.

Many of my influences and inspirations regarding work come from my family, who generally work in jobs helping people, or my friends, who have similar aspirations and outlook to me.

I'm very proud of the NHS as an institution, and am proud to say I work for it.

My ideal job would always involve helping people, but perhaps in a different environment, such as a public library, or bookshop.

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I have been in the NHS for over 24 years, in different health boards/jobs. I thoroughly enjoy my job, even although the past 3 years have been very challenging for everyone. The NHS feels like a big, dysfunctional family all striving for the same goal.

In a parallel universe I would live on a very remote island by myself!!

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Proud to work in the NHS to support our local community 

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Proud to work in the NHS to support our local community 

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I am a Practice Manager at a GP Surgery and I am passionate about the health and wellbeing of our community and our team. Post pandemic, and as a new mother trying to juggle home and work, I am so invested workforce health and wellbeing that I have just become the local Fellow in this field. This allows me to learn, educate and promote resources to Primary Care in Norfolk and Waveney. I love that my job is challenging in different ways everyday and I get a lot of job satisfaction from the feeling of genuinely helping people.

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I work in NHS Lothian for the Patient Experience Team as a Complaints Triage Officer. Its a fairly new role for me, still learning, still developing skills and knowledge to support patients. The triage team and management have been so supportive and welcoming, the best. Its a very busy department, and can be stressful due to the nature of the role and dealing with confrontational and sometimes upset individuals.

To maintain balance and self-care I practice mindfulness and was given the opportunity through NHS Lothian to train as a mindfulness teacher in 2019. Health and mental wellbeing in the workplace has been my passion and driver, and align with mindfulness meditation.

I am so grateful to NHS Lothian for funding my development so that I can continue to support our patients and staff.

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I work in a corporate role in Unscheduled Care (Strategic Planning). I support the Programme Director, Programme Managers, Programme Board and Committee to deliver the key priorities and improvement programme, with the overall aim to improve performance.  I do what I do as I get a satisfaction from seeing the work being undertaken to make positive improvements and to "make a difference" to the patient experience. I hope to progress into Project Management in the future. In a parallel universe, I would love to be in a more creative job, perhaps a craftsperson / carpenter, designing and creating bespoke furniture or giving new life to old unwanted pieces.

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I am an admin/secretary in a GP Surgery.

I do what I do because I am good at it.

In a parallel universe, I would be a psychologist or a singer.

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I am a Clinical Nurse Specialist working in NHS Scotland with children and adolescents with chronic disease. I work in a small MD team and I love my job, especially supporting adolescent patients.

I love what I do because I feel I can -or we can as a team- make a real difference to a child or young person's life during difficult times.

In a parallel universe I would live by the sea and run a small coffee/cake shop and be an integral part of the community.

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Having worked within the NHS for the last 16 years across multiple departments and specialties, I can honestly say that there is no other place like it, ups and downs along the way but we are always here to support each other and every single person I have ever worked with has always wanted to put the patients first. In the UK we are so privileged to have the "National Heath Service" and I think working within it seeing it from the inside out just makes you appreciate it all the more.

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I am a Health Visiting Team Manager . I manage a team of thirty staff. I love my job and the team I manage are the greatest asset.

I always wanted to be a paediatric nurse, and worked in the acute setting for a few years and the opportunity to study Health Visiting came along. I wanted to prevent some of the admissions we had through A&E. I've worked in Health Visiting for over twenty years, even teaching Health Visiting at University for a short time. Health Visiting is a role that is not high profile within the NHS, the difference a Health Visitor can make to a child and family is immense, especially in Scotland with the Universal Pathway.

In a parallel universe, if I wasn't a Health Visitor I would be running a dance school, probably still working as a nurse though as I've been a nurse for over thirty years and can't imagine doing anything else.

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I am a Head of Medical Staffing in the NHS and enjoy a 'love-hate' relationship with my work. I love working with my team and wider teams. There is a real sense of cohesion between areas where we understand we are ultimately working towards the same goal. The best service provision for patients, putting them and their safety first.

The hate part is the stress added into the mix from various sources, including execs, external stakeholders and occasionally colleagues.

I consider myself very lucky to be working for the NHS and am proud of my and my team's contribution to the organisation as a whole.

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I am now an Operational Manager for Cellular Pathology and Mortuary Services. I started out as a Medical laboratory Scientist. I had no idea then about moving into management. I looked at Medicine, nursing and pharmacy before going to University. I also very nearly applied for the Foreign Office. I took part in work experience within NHS Labs at high school and I remember the staff telling me I didn't want to be doing that for a living.. But I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do, to get those results out there. I also knew it was always Histopathology- using my hands, the anatomy and getting in there and dirty, perfect! In a parallel universe I imagine i would have pursued Forensics, but hey this way I get to do a bit of everything.

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But I wonder who is supporting me. I am a Practice Manager with an unmanageable workload. 33 staff and 5 GP partners that that I care about and a struggling PCN that adds to my already 55 hour week.

We have had to document all we do for staff health and wellbeing this year, and as this is work we get paid for I was happy to do it. The documenting I mean, the doing it comes naturally and is my favourite part of the job. Completing the submission was very reflective, looking back at everything we had done over the year to support the health and wellbeing of our teams, gave me a real boost.

Telling them they can't have a payrise above minimum wage this year has been devastating. They understand that a 2% uplift will not cover a 10% increase, but understanding that does not put food on their table, let alone reward them for the amazing work they do.

No wonder I don't sleep well :(

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I work in analytical and management role. I do my job to try and make the jobs of my colleagues, especially clinical colleagues, easier. I see my role as someone in a non-clinical position to make delivery of patient care for clinical colleagues as easy and rewarding as possible.

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I am an Admin Team Lead and fairly new in post. I have no previous experience of managing a team and initially, when I was told I would be moved to this role, I said NO!

I had no interest in people management and was sure I wouldn't like it. In fact, I was determined to be so bad at it they would have to find me another job. (For context, my substantive post was given to someone else substantively while I was on secondment for two years).

Seven months later, I thoroughly enjoy my new job and have had a really positive impact on my team of 7. I have watched them grow from a group that work together to a team that support each other and I find it hugely rewarding.

I have previously been an Adult Mental Health Support Worker and also a Care Navigator, in bed management for inpatient units.

My dream job would be a Children's Social Worker, but I am not in a position to afford being a full time student with a home to run and the NHS don't offer a programme for SW like they do for nurses.

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Hi, I am Leigh Williams. I am a Clinical Lead for the District Nursing Service and the Bladder and Bowel Service with NHS Lothian

I have worked for the NHS for almost 16 years and have adapted, learned and gained so much valuable experience from it.

I love being within the community service and being involved in a patient's journey of being cared for at home. This is very special to me.

In a parallel universe I would be out up in the hills walking my dogs in a sunny climate daily!

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Hello, I am a Senior Occupational Therapist working in a Homeless Healthcare Mental Health team, as a Care Coordinator

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Hello, I am a Senior Occupational Therapist working in a Homeless Healthcare Mental Health team, as a Care Coordinator

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I changed from older people's mental health to adult mental health in 2018, as my father had advanced Alzheimer's disease, and it felt like I was surrounded 24/7 by dementia.

I love my role, and my patient group, most of whom have no family and few friends to support them, as well as multiple issues with mental and physical health and often substance use, which is common as a self medication tool.

I feel I can act as an advocate on their behalf, ensure they receive all the support and benefits they are entitled but most important offer validation to their concerns, traumas and life experiences.

I tried to retire in 2021, but got really depressed so returned to the same role in 2022; I experienced two significant bereavements last December, my son and my father, and have just returned to work, but have found that, in spite of my fears that I would no longer be able to cope, work has given me a glimmer of who I used to be. I'm not seeing patients face to face just yet, but I'm hoping to gradually return to working with an amazing group of people, most of whom have experienced terrible traumas in childhood or adulthood, resulting in them living outside the systems most of us depend on.

If you look at the average life expectancy for an individual who has experienced homelessness, it is in the 40s, shameful for a first world country. This makes me passionate to ensure that my patients received the help they absolutely deserve

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I am a Speech and Language Therapy service lead. I would tell you I fell in to SLT because they were first to offer me a place at Uni, despite having despised my work experience with them (too much saliva for me!). However, it really has been the perfect career for me - I love to talk and I love people. Although now I seem to deal a lot more with numbers :(. But I seek out my people both at work and home. Joy in Work and then Wellbeing more generally have become part of my role, along with QI (still befuddles me at times). I've always been the soft one in the team, the one people talk to, the one who would bend the rules to make sure people are ok. And now I get to try to influence the whole department in looking out for each other more, in having a plan for how we ensure we're doing the best we can for each other, and in putting ourselves at the centre.

In a parallel universe I am a midwife, delivering perfect little babies (without all the blood and screaming) and making families very happy - or working in a vineyard in the sun somewhere :)

# data[].attributes.body
I am an assistant service manager for an acute service. I do this because I am passionate about doing something that makes a difference, making the NHS more sustainable and providing a safe and happy place to work. It matters to me that I am contributing to safe and effective patient care.

In a parallel universe I'd probably be doing something a bit more creative.. writing children's stories or illustrating

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I am a Pharmacy Technician within NHS Lothian Primary Care Central Services Team and also a Programme Officer on secondment with National Education Scotland. I love my job working within central services delivering multiple core services across the primary care sector. I also love delivering education to other pharmacy technicians at all levels of there careers across NHS Scotland. I myself have Dyslexia and have made it my personal goal to share my knowledge and help those with additional learning requirements. I myself are living proof that with the right support and determination anything is possible.

# data[].attributes.body
I'm nothing special. Just an anaesthetist who cares deeply about the team and the experience we all have of work. I want work to be a positive experience in as many of my colleagues lives as possible, just as it is in mine. The system needs to make our lives easier than they are, and we need to work with civility, just culture and from a safety II mindset.

# data[].attributes.body
I work as a Directorate Assistant in NHS Scotland and lead a large team of Admin Staff, based in a few different hospitals.

Although my job can be very challenging at times, I believe it’s a true privilege to work towards bettering people’s lives. I’m very passionate about diversity in our teams and one of my main focuses is developing my staff through learning. I believe that by sharing experiences, we can all learn from each other and do our jobs better.

In a parallel universe, I would more than likely be a Vet or a Marine Biologist as I’m obsessed with animals.

# data[].attributes.body
I am a Physiotherapist working in a senior quality role.

I chose this role because I wanted to make a difference and make positive changes. I was getting frustrated with seeing the same challenges but having little impact on making these better. The change in role has enabled me to engage with many more team members and to work on making positive change, supporting staff and considering how we can impact staff engagement and wellbeing as well as encouraging team members to get involved.

In a parallel universe I would still be doing something to help others but something that would involve sport and travelling or a combination of both.

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I work in the Independent Sector as a Rehabilitation Case Manager. I do what I do because I can create bespoke personalised life long rehabilitation and support packages to promote a good quality of life for people and their families after life changing injuries. I often work in partnership with NHS Services and Social Care and always feel a sense of joy to collaborate to find solutions in very complex scenarios. I feel that the ethos of rehabilitation, creativity, advocacy and team work have attracted me to this role and these are aspects of my clinical practice as a neurological physiotherapist which continue to be a part of my practice as a Case Manager. I also lead on research projects and professional development for our service as part of our quality improvement and assurance systems.

In a parallel universe I would be a a phenomenal story teller either writing books, travel writing or screen writing.

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I am an occupational therapist within an acute hospital. I have been an OT for 19 years.

My role has evolved over the years from newly qualified therapist eager to learn about all specialities related to occupations and their impact to those experiencing deficits with managing through either a long term health condition or life changing event. To now a team lead and clinical specialist within A&E, but just about to embark on a new role

I became an OT because I wanted to help individuals be the person they want to be. I am curious and i am a problem solver, but also believe people have the ability to understand how they can manage health related incidences if given the tools and resources to aid them in this process. I wanted to work with them to enable them to reach their potential and to work towards their goals that are meaningful and purposeful to them. Seeing the person as a whole not the sum of their condition, Injury or deficits.

In a parallel universe I would see myself in some kind of advocacy role.

# data[].attributes.body
I am a community Occupational Therapist working in physical health. Before this I had a full career as a teacher and Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENDCo).

I am motivated by fulfilling a role where 'on a good day' I make a difference to people's lives and the quality of life they are able to achieve, enabling them to succeed. This theme has been important to me throughout my working life.

# data[].attributes.body
I am a Geriatric registrar in South Yorkshire.

I remember writing in my personal statement all those years ago that I wanted to be a doctor 'to understand how things work.' I now realise I want to be a doctor to advocate for those who are vulnerable or unable to advocate for themselves.

When you take away all the institutional stressors and time pressures love my role as a geriatric registrar. My love for my job has grown somewhat since becoming part time however - I now believe it would be impossible to fulfil my duties on a full time contract. Being part time has allowed me to find other interests and areas where I can apply my skills and knowledge.

In a parallel world, I would be a geriatrician but in a well funded and functioning NHS.

# data[].attributes.body
I am a senior leader in NHS England, working in ICS development. I left journalism to work in the NHS almost 25 years ago, and couldn't see myself working anywhere other than the NHS. It is under my skin and I feel passionate about the NHS as an institution, and as a concept, and am immensely proud to work alongside all of the amazing people, doing such a wide range of jobs, across the NHS as a whole. In a parallel universe, I would be a speech and language therapist. I got a place to do an MA in Linguistics after university, but couldn't afford the fees. That's a big regret, as I could have been working more closely with patients than I currently do.

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I am passionate about the work that I do, in part because I have suffered with mental ill health myself but because I want to help the people that access our services.

# data[].attributes.body
I started work in the NHS as a doctor in 1990 and have sent much of that time working as a GP and then with an extended role in Older People.I have loved my clinical work and have got a huge buzz out of the leadership and management side of my work. It has always given me a sense of purpose and knowing people have benefitted from my work as a doctor gives me a great deal of satisfaction.In a parallel universe I always saw myself as a teacher though I always wished to be more creative! but you are what you are and should celebrate that

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I work as a Psychologist in an adult mental health team, and have worked in different mental health roles over the past 12 years. Helping other people overcome their difficulties is immensely rewarding work and I always knew I wanted to do something which had a positive impact on the world and the people in it. I got drawn to Psychology because of really being able to empathise with the difficulties people can have with mental health, because of my own difficulties, and because of the challenge of working with the complexity of the mind which is never straight forward or easy to understand. In a parallel universe I think I would still be a Psychologist... unless I was filthy rich and then I'd be travelling the world and engaging in some philanthropic international work.

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I am a Bereavement Midwife based in the North West. I "fell" into this role following years of experience in the area and realised this was a role I could really make a difference to people that desperately needed nothing but time, care and empathy. I'm incredibly passionate about my job and feel extremely privileged to be able to do what I do for a living. Families allow me into their lives at what can only be their most vulnerable state and let me help to heal them. Because of this I am guilty of offering too much of myself for passion of the role, and whilst I wouldn't ever want to give anything less than my all to these families, sometimes my heart and my desire to be the "best" for them can sometimes overrule my mind and the knowledge I am only one person. I long for the day my job isn't needed but until then I hope anyone unfortunate enough to need me can say that they were glad I was there for them.

# data[].attributes.body
I am a Head of Midwifery and Nursing for Women and Children’s services. I have worked in the NHS since leaving school. I love the diversity of nursing and midwifery and the opportunities which are available to us. I am a great believer we all go through different stages in our lives. When we have a busy home life with young family, we come to work as a necessity, there then comes a time when we come for ourselves and the passion and enthusiasm we can bring. As managers, we should be mindful everyone has different priorities, depending on where they are in their life. With this in mind the opportunities should be available for all. I am now at the stage in my career where I enjoy supporting people to realise their potential and flourish in their career. In a parallel universe I would have been a history teacher.

# data[].attributes.body
I have worked in the NHS for 25 years and remain as passionate about it today as I did when I started. I still get invigorated and inspired when I see so many amazing colleagues delivering great care or great work to support that care. I love my job and have never been bored or felt it repetitive as we are constantly changing , improving and innovating. I have had amazing opportunities through working in the NHS but I can see how we are in times where staff don't feel like that and may not get developed in the same way because of the enduring pressures on the system. Supporting staff is my passion and I hope I always feel like that.

# data[].attributes.headline
Why did I choose medicine and general practice in particular?

# data[].attributes.subject
Why did I choose medicine and general practice in particular?

# data[].attributes.body
I wanted to practice medicine from the age of 14/15. I say its because the TV series MASH was on and I loved the camaraderie of the team and how they went above and beyond to help their patients. There were no doctors in my family, but I definitely wanted to help people. 45yr later after a 31yr career in General Practice I still say its the best decision I ever made. General Practice is the best job in the NHS in my opinion. no where else do you treat the whole patient potentially from cradle to grave. I've known generations of the same family through my career and it is humbling to have done that. As a GP partner you're a manager and business person by default and that is changing as the partnership model becomes less attractive to new GPs. On the plus side you have a lot of flexibility in setting your working patterns staff structure (to a certain extent) and your are the team leader. negatively that isn't necessarily taught during training and can be a cause of stress. I've retired from my practice and am now the Medical Director of a GP Federation, hence the reason I want to focus on leadership and team wellbeing.

In a parallel universe I would be a tennis professional on the Doubles Circuit, travelling and playing my favourite sport and getting paid to do so.

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I have worked in secondary care in acute medicine and ED services in the same hospital for 25yrs. I am now an ACP in acute medicine. I continue to do what I do because I love making a difference in patients lives. I also love developing others and managing change. I get a great sense of satisfaction when I have made a difference- be that to a patient, family, colleague or the system.  In a parallel universe I would be an artist and musician. I would also be multilingual and be a translator.

# data[].attributes.subject
I have worked in secondary care in acute medicine and ED services in the same hospital for 25yrs. I am now an ACP in acute medicine. I continue to do what I do because I love making a difference in patients lives. I also love developing others and managing change. I get a great sense of satisfaction when I have made a difference- be that to a patient, family, colleague or the system.  In a parallel universe I would be an artist and musician. I would also be multilingual and be a translator.

# data[].attributes.body
I am a part-time Band 3 library assistant in a mental health and community trust, having been a full-time Band 8a library manager in a joint HE/NHS library - and enjoying it! My whole working life since 1979 has been in libraries - different sectors including the NHS for 13 years in the 1990s, and different jobs.

I do what I do because a) it's all I know how to do, b) I enjoy it, and c) I need the money. I like library work because of the blend of geekiness and helping people - librarians are usually overpraised, which helps!

In a parallel universe I would be a composer. Or a poet.

# data[].attributes.body
1. What do I do? My title is Business Support Officer.

2. Why do I do what I do? I enjoy team work and being part of the big picture.

3. In a parallel universe? I expect I'd be striving to help and support.....

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I work as a midwife in a busy unit in Scotland, I would like to develop skills to improve the staff morale in my department. Happy and stress free staff will strive to give the best possible care to patients. This will also help to keep the level of midwives wanting leave the profession to a minimum, as staff shortages will in turn have a knock on effect on the care that can be provided and help reduced the additional pressures already on so many midwives.

# data[].attributes.headline
I am an International Educated Trained Nurse. I work in one of NHS Hospital in Southeast London as a Tissue Viability Nurse Specialist. I love my job and passionate about tissue viability. I strongly believe that team work is an essential part and it plays a major role in the health and wellbeing of a staff. Besides Nursing I am not sure what Job I be doing. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I am an International Educated Trained Nurse. I work in one of NHS Hospital in Southeast London as a Tissue Viability Nurse Specialist. I love my job and passionate about tissue viability. I strongly believe that team work is an essential part and it plays a major role in the health and wellbeing of a staff. Besides Nursing I am not sure what Job I be doing. 

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I am a physiotherapist who has worked in the NHS for 23 years. I feel completely embedded in the culture of the NHS - providing best care possible, free at the point of access. I strongly identify with the core NHS values, and am passionate about sticking it out through these tough times. I worry about staff turning to private work and diminishing the workforce further.

# data[].attributes.subject
I am a physiotherapist who has worked in the NHS for 23 years. I feel completely embedded in the culture of the NHS - providing best care possible, free at the point of access. I strongly identify with the core NHS values, and am passionate about sticking it out through these tough times. I worry about staff turning to private work and diminishing the workforce further.

# data[].attributes.body
I am keen to continue to work within the NHS and try to use my passion and enthusiasm within a more leadership role, and am trying to begin this from my current position.

I am hopeful for the future!

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I am an operational manager within maternity services. Having first trained as a midwife, I care passionately about promoting women's health choices and pregnancy care. I want to make a difference to every person who uses our services, no matter how small.

# data[].attributes.body
I am a diagnostic radiographer who has progressed my career into reporting x-rays of the musculoskeletal region. I've been qualified for 18 years, straight after my leaving school. Due to this, radiography is all I've ever known, so have grown as a person personally and in my career hand in hand. Radiography has the perfect mix of patient care and anatomy, and even more so in my niche area of work. I did fall into this from a family recommendation, so it wasn't something I felt I wanted to do since I was a child. The NHS is the most wonderful organisation ever created by society, however in recent years this has been disillusioned in my eyes, but I still do remain very passionate on its principles. No other country has this provision, and it's incredible how it doesn't discriminate on your wealth, race, age, location etc. It's probably the most humane system. Having said that, in a parallel universe, English as a subject taught at school was my first love. I still wouldn't know what to do with it career wise!

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I work in neurology. I do this because I get a buzz from seeing patients improving. I also think that I am not too bad at my job so patients do get a good service when they see me. But because we all have an ego I also do it as I get praised for doing it!! Alternative reality: a cricket correspondent!

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I am the Training and Development Lead for Personal Health Commissioning in a South West ICB.

I originally trained as a Primary School Teacher, a role I did for 8 years, but working 80-hour weeks and the relentless workload took its toll, and so I moved in to administration roles in health and social care because I wanted to still be in a role where I was making a difference in one way or another.

The opportunity for my current role came up, and I couldn't say no! It allowed me to use the knowledge and skills from my degree, but in a healthier working environment (only 37.5 hours per week), plus the salary is better. I know that I am making an indirect difference to patients, but a direct difference to staff.

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I work in administration for NHS Lothian. I do this job because I am only one little cog in a big wheel, and without each other helping and supporting each other our patients would not get the great service they have and deserve. Each and every member of the NHS staff from domestic services to the consultants all need a little bit support sometimes and even just a smile and hello can make someone's day, especially if they are feeling low, down or emotional

"BE A FLAMINGO IN A FLOCK OF PIGEONS"

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I work within NHS England as an ACP i Acute Medicine.

I become a nurse, as I didn't really know what else t o do.

I enjoyed science and people and since I did not have good enough

grades to be a Doctor and my family did not have enough money to

send me to university without support, I did an Advanced diploma.

I don't know what I would have done if not nursing. I do wish I had known about

other allied health professional roles. So i guess in a parallel universe, I would have been an allied health

professional of some kind.

other

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I am a Speech and Language Therapist and lead a small team.  I feel privileged  to be part of helping people through some of their 'worst-ever' times.  I know our work is important. Communication and eating are central to so much of people's social and cultural life.  Communication is also the key to self-expression.  I am passionate about helping staff develop their full potential and love their jobs.  In another universe, I would be an artist and author.

# data[].attributes.subject
I am a Speech and Language Therapist and lead a small team.  I feel privileged  to be part of helping people through some of their 'worst-ever' times.  I know our work is important. Communication and eating are central to so much of people's social and cultural life.  Communication is also the key to self-expression.  I am passionate about helping staff develop their full potential and love their jobs.  In another universe, I would be an artist and author.

# data[].attributes.body
I work in staff wellbeing in NHS Scotland after years in the NHS as an administrator. I started in healthcare because I wasn't sure what I wanted to do after Uni. I saw this as something where my skills and experience can be of benefit.

I couldn't work somewhere I wasn't supporting public services; I want my energy to be spent helping others, not just providing for myself.

In another universe I didn't learn to take my time or care for myself. I went into a more demanding field (medicine or laboratory science) and burnt out.

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I've worked in the NHS since I left school over 30 years ago. initially as a nurse and then as a Podiatrist. I couldn't imagine working anywhere else. I'm a true believer in free at the point of use and will vehemently defend it. Whilst I recognize things could and should be done better it is important staff are part of the conversation and not lead by constant changing government policy

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I work as a dietitian in the NHS. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet so many families and offer support and guidance. I get to work with so many intelligent and caring people across a MDT and witness people caring for others. I love science and how the body works and I have the opportunity to learn something new every day. In another universe I would work on a vineyard or grow flowers but whatever I did I would want to be part of a community.

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I work in data analysis for NHS organisations' performance (on their behalf) to allow service leads to reflect on their service model and identify areas for improvement.

By identifying areas for change, we have a chance at improving the quality of care patients receive.

In a parallel universe I would spend my day at a potters wheel creating beautiful things.

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I am undertaking a placement year with the Complex Emotional Needs Service in Gloucester. I study Psychology at university, and have aspirations of becoming a counsellor. I have chosen this career path because I have a strong desire to help people. Mental health is a prominent issue in society and I have seen the effects it has through personal experience. Therefore, it is important to me that people are educated, and are offered the guidance they need to succeed in life.

I chose this placement specifically because the team is very innovative, modern and liberal. I think it is important to take on a holistic approach to rehabilitation and care to provide the best individual care. The team does some amazing work which covers multiple dimensions of care going above and beyond their job roles, they inspire me everyday.

In a parallel universe, I would live in Europe where I would own my own bakery, model on the side, and compete in trampolining.

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I've worked in the NHS for just over 2 years. I work in a senior position in a provider as comms lead. previously I worked in the automotive sector and took a pay cut to work in the NHS after reflecting what's important to me after the pandemic. I want to use my skillset to help people I no longer wanted to be talking about maximising profit and wanted to focus on wellbeing. I cant imagine a career outside of the NHS now

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I am a Clinical Nurse Consultant working in specialist community palliative care in Sydney Australia.

I love my job. I am very fortunate to be able to guide and support people at an often vulnerable time in their lives. Being present and guiding people in the dying process is a very important part of my role. I have also worked as the clinical lead developing a community workshop on death and dying, which I also present. I love community education. I have a new role also as the Team Leader of our very small team - so am learning all the time. I want the team to feel supported and cared for, and I am hopeful that I am achieving that.

This photo is of my children the last time we were able to come back to England - this is the beach of my childhood.

In a parallel universe I would perform in musical theatre, also be writer and spend my days in a book shop drinking coffee, also maybe gin and sparkling wine, and walking along my beach. I might also be living in Cornwall

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I worked for the NHS on two occasions throughout my career, mostly recently I have been with my Trust for a little over 5 yrs. I've worked with adults with LD, with volunteers, in an outpatient dept and now in inducting new starters. My experience has been positive throughout.

The people, the teams, the opportunities - all wonderful. I'm proud to be part of our wonderful NHS and hope to enjoy many more years making a difference to our patients and our people.

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Taking on this role in a caretaker capacity nearly 20 years ago, I have carried a greater load than than my resilience and skills were able to take. Burnout has set in. Team leading multiple specialties' with lower than needed staffing levels, a constant rotating staff of varying skill mix - needing training to get them to a functional level and maintain their own wellbeing. A Team Leader Role is a difficult one in the NHS - not fully management, not fully clinical- the team is the priority not the manager according to managers - left in a bit of a black hole role unless line manager is clued up and onboard with staff wellbeing. I inspire and educate where I can - but generation differences can prove testing

# data[].attributes.body
I have worked in the NHS for over 10 years, I have taken a short break from the NHS but am soon to return. I am so pleased I took some time out, I understand what inspires and drives me to make system changes. I know the NHS is where I belong and I am determined to put health and wellbeing of the staff I manage at the forefront of everything we do.

In another lifetime... I would like to have owned a bridal shop!

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I am an OT by background and currently seconded to a leadership post supporting the neurorehabilitation team at my hospital. I work as an OT because I love the creativity that I can bring to the role, and the way that my organisational skills enable me to do well in my work. I love getting alongside my patients and working on what is important to them in their rehab journey. It is a privilege to work with people during the darkest times of their lives. My leadership post a step away from this - but I need to maintain this ethos while managing a larger team while holding in mind the 'KPI's, deliverables and issues' that are driven from the organisation. It's a stretch for me as an individual but my OT background is supporting me to do what I do in the best way I possibly can. I am proud to work in the team I am a part of!

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I work in the Podiatry service for the last 33 years. I work in one of the largest Health Boards in Scotland.
I have always worked within the NHS and I love that but it has changed so much on the past 3 decades and you have to learn to be adaptable and move with the constant changes.
I love my job and enjoy helping patients with there problems and enabling them to remain active.
In a parallel universe I would have a flower shop with a café attached and make flower arrangements every day.

# data[].attributes.body
After initially working in the private sector, a tough experience supporting my mum who had been diagnosed with COPD gave me a new motivation to put my skills towards working with organisations who helped communities.

With years of Learning and Development experience, I wanted to find a way where I could utilise my expertise to support others, meaning a switch to the charity sector before an opportunity arose working in health and social care research.

I don't have a clinical background but intentionally identifying the type of organisation I wanted to work for still allowed me to fulfil that sense of purpose.

# data[].attributes.body
I am a University lecturer , in the role just 3 years . Prior to this I worked as a RN on a ward and as a manual handling training for a large acute trust , I never really knew what I wanted to do until my mid 20s , I loved being around people, helping , supporting and have always had an interest in health , so nursing felt right! I like making a difference and love seeing students grow in confidence . In a parallel universe , I would be a PE teacher getting the students to love XC running :)

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I am currently a Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist for mental health and learning disability services. I have had a varied career across 36 years in the NHS, working within neurological rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation, learning disabilities,  intermediate care, community hospitals, community mental health, palliative care, primary care, and domestic abuse services. My interest and belief is that varied and balanced engagement in meaningful occupations supports health and well-being. I am passionate that occupational therapists can make a key contribution within all settings, to facilitate independence and self-management of chronic conditions. My interest has always been about how mental health impacts physical function, and how physical function impacts mental health. Occupational therapists treat people holistically, to untangle and address the complex barriers that stop people from doing what they want and need to do, and support improvement in self-care, leisure, and productive activities. This work is very much focused on well-being, and results in my passion for ensuring that NHS staff also prioritise their own well-being in order to provide effective compassionate care to our patients and service users.

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I work as a Physiotherapist - manager. Interestingly I had done a geography degree initially at Uni and having gone travelling to complete a geography project and worked in a third world country I was overwhelmed by my desire to help others and work on healthcare - I did this on my return and not looked back .

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I work at NHS Gloucestershire ICB as an Integrated Commissioning Manager.  I've worked in the NHS for almost 20 years and have lovely every second of it.
Originally I wanted to be a nurse and was due to start University when my mum died so I couldn't attend due to childcare.
My mums care was not great.  It made me want to make a difference and try to ensure that everyone has a good experience of the NHS.
My first role was in Clinical Governance (admin) close to home, managing complaints, risks and incidents. I then started working in Gloucestershire as a Business Manager and now my current role.
It took a while to work my way up through the ranks but I have learned a lot on the way and I've really enjoyed my journey and know that I have made a difference to people's lives give me a huge sense of pride and satisfaction. I can't imagine working anywhere else!