“I used to love meeting and talking to people,” she explains. “It wasn’t necessarily healthcare at first, it was more about helping people feel better. That interest in making a difference just grew from there.”
Helen knew early on that nursing aligned with her values and curiosity. She describes it as a career that felt like a natural fit, one that’s offered her challenge, growth, and plenty of variety.
“I’ve been in nursing a long time, but it’s been a great career. You can do so much with it if you’re open to opportunities and willing to work hard. I’ve been lucky, but I’ve also moved around a lot and gained experience in many different areas.”
Over the years, Helen has worked across a wide range of clinical settings, each one giving her new perspectives and a greater understanding of what great patient care looks like. Her diverse experience has shaped a strong belief in the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability.
Now part of DHU’s Nursing and Quality Directorate, Helen is a passionate advocate for development and flexibility in clinical careers and brings knowledge and skills from her time working as an academic at University of Derby to the new role.
Her role is to provide expertise and professional leadership to clinical teams within DHU regarding education, training and professional development. She explained, “I work within the nursing and quality division to ensure governance, equity and quality assurance surrounding education and training within the organisation. As advanced practice lead, I represent DHU in meetings with other organisations, including NHS England and provide professional support to the senior leadership team at DHU.”
She encourages anyone considering nursing to keep an open mind and not feel fixed in one place. “There are so many directions you can go in—and every one of them brings something different. You just have to be open to learning, growing, and seeing where it takes you.”
Helen brings a wealth of insight and commitment to our teams, and her passion for development continues to shape how we support and grow our workforce across DHU.