

Lisa Cummings
Senior Specialist Children & Young People Asthma Practitioner
The Journey
I attended the CARE programme on the recommendation of a senior colleague, with a view to progressing my nursing career.
I had embarked on my nurse training as a mature student with a young family. Despite scepticism from others that I would even complete the course, I managed to obtain my nursing degree, then a postgraduate diploma. Most recently, in December 2023, I received the Queens Nurse award and am currently completing an MSc in Primary Health Care.
‘CARE enabled me to progress my career in unexpected ways’
Attending the CARE programme enabled me to build valuable connections with other health professionals, particularly within my sphere of expertise relating to respiratory care in children.
Since attending the programme I have also been appointed to a senior nurse role within a NHSE pilot – an opportunity that was completely unexpected. I love my job and team I work with.
‘I enjoyed completing the CARE Programme as a Practice Nurse and it enabled me to develop my specialist interest in respiratory care for children’
The Impact
- More confidence with senior leaders.
- Improved job satisfaction.
- Valuable opportunities to upskill primary care colleagues.
- Ability to build useful networks across primary and secondary care.