How LSBU helped Charlie Kennedy build the confidence to pursue his dream of working at Great Ormond Street Hospital
Charlie Kennedy came to LSBU determined to become a children’s nurse and work at Great Ormond Street Hospital, but after not achieving the A-level results he had hoped for, he had lost some confidence. Through hands-on clinical experience, placements at GOSH and opportunities to develop his leadership skills, LSBU helped Charlie rebuild his confidence and work towards his ambitions. Today, he is a senior nurse in paediatric clinical research, helping lead clinical trials that test new therapies for children with rare conditions.
Can you tell us about your journey to LSBU and what inspired you to pursue a career in paediatric nursing?
Hi, I am Charlie and before I joined LSBU, I knew that I wanted to be a paediatric nurse, but I was not really sure where to start and I had lost some confidence after not doing as well in my A-levels as I had hoped.
What were you hoping to achieve at LSBU, and what ambitions did you have for your future career?
I joined LSBU because I wanted to help people and give back. I wanted to grow my confidence and become a great healthcare professional. I also had a dream of working at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
What opportunities at LSBU helped you develop your nursing skills and take steps towards your goal of working at Great Ormond Street Hospital?
LSBU gave me the opportunity to complete placements at Great Ormond Street and helped me fuel my passion for helping people and working within an expert service. During my time, I was able to make use of the simulation suites and carry out simulated clinical tasks in a safe and supportive environment. I also gained confidence through working with some amazing fellow students and lecturers. I made many friendships at university that last till this day.
Beyond your clinical training, how did getting involved in university life help you develop as a person and a future healthcare professional?
During my time at LSBU I joined and eventually became the president of the nursing society. I also worked as a student ambassador, all of which grew my confidence, leadership and team working skills. Moreover, I helped mentor other students through their nursing studies, which helped me grow as a person and professional.
How did your experiences at LSBU help you rebuild your confidence and recognise what you were capable of achieving?
As a person I grew exponentially during my time at LSBU. I worked with a diverse range of people and was exposed to many cultures and backgrounds, which improved my social skills and allowed me to make many great friends. My confidence was boosted significantly during my time at LSBU, through gaining skills and experience that allowed me to overcome the setback that I had experienced during my A-levels.
How has your career developed since leaving LSBU, and what does your role in paediatric clinical research involve today?
Following my time at LSBU, I have continued to use the learning from university in my life, both at home and professionally. The growth that LSBU gave me, allowed me to work in a cardiac intensive care and eventually become a senior nurse, working in paediatric clinical research. Today I help deliver and lead on clinical trials, testing novel therapies for children with rare conditions and I love what I do.
What advice would you give to students who have a clear ambition but may have lost confidence or feel unsure about how to achieve it?
To any future students, I would say to not be afraid of the challenge. If you know you want something enough, you will get there. You just need to have faith in yourself. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. If you see an opportunity, take it. You will succeed.