Laura Campbell

When I left school at 18 I took a part time job in a care home to supplement my student loan while I studied (A degree in Irish language and literature) It soon became apparent that my career did not lie in teaching, as I had once thought.

While I worked as a health care assistant I soon knew that my life was about to go down a path I had never imagined. I applied for nursing at QUB in 2007 thinking I didn't have a chance, despite working in care since 2002, but I was successful, and I achieved my degree with 2.1 honours in 2010.

Once qualified, I took a job in Parkmanor Care Home in Dunmurry, Belfast. I went there as a newly qualified nurse and remain there to this day. In 2016 I was promoted to senior staff nurse and in 2018 to Deputy nurse manager which is my current role. I have held this role for over 4 years and I am confident and competent in running a care home and in facing regulatory bodies when they drop in without announcing their arrival.

Inspections aside, I have been heavily involved in various aspects of fundraising for the group. We are connected with various local charities including Tiny Life, MS society, Alzheimer's Society, and Cash for kids (popular charity in the UK ensuring that young people have Christmas presents regardless of their parents circumstances) I have also been nominated for several awards, and been listed as a finalist for many. My most recent achievements include being a runner up in the IHCP nursing award in 2017 and taking home that award in 2019!