Attending a student leadership workshop over two weekends was a transformative experience for me as a student nurse. The opportunity to step away from the fast pace of clinical placements and immerse myself in learning about leadership offered both personal and professional growth. The workshop was more than just a series of lectures; it was an exploration into what it means to lead with empathy, authenticity, and resilience. Through engaging sessions, group activities, and talks from inspirational speakers, I came away feeling empowered, deeply inspired, and more confident in my role as a future nurse leader.
Inspiring new thinking
One of the core themes of the workshop was leading with emotional intelligence. Before attending, I associated leadership with authority and decision-making. However, this workshop reframed my understanding, highlighting that leadership begins with self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication. I was encouraged to reflect on how my emotions affect my interactions with patients and colleagues. Role-play activities showed how emotionally intelligent leaders create a supportive environment, respond calmly under pressure, and empower others rather than dictate. This really resonated with me. I saw how developing emotional intelligence isn’t just helpful for managing others but is crucial in delivering compassionate care and building trust with patients and teams.
Leading the self
Closely linked to emotional intelligence was the concept of self-compassion, which was introduced in a session that left a lasting impression on me. Nursing students often carry a strong internal critic, especially when we feel we’ve made a mistake or not met expectations. We explored how self-compassion doesn’t mean avoiding responsibility but instead treating ourselves with the same kindness and understanding we would offer a friend. This shift in perspective felt liberating. I realised that being kind to myself allows me to bounce back from setbacks more effectively, maintain my well-being, and show up more fully for others. We practiced guided reflections and mindfulness exercises that I’ve since continued in my daily routine. Self-compassion, I learned, is a strength that enables sustainability in a demanding profession.
Leading with compassion
Another powerful aspect of the workshop was the emphasis on compassionate leadership. As future nurses, we are often in positions of informal leadership, guiding patients, influencing care, and supporting our peers. Compassionate leadership, as we discussed, is about creating environments where people feel safe, valued, and motivated. It’s not about controlling others but about empowering them. We listened to guest speakers who shared experiences of where compassionate leadership had transformed team culture and improved patient outcomes. What stood out to me was the idea that compassion needs to start from the top. Leaders who are visibly caring, inclusive, and authentic foster teams that are more cohesive and effective. During a small group discussion, I shared an experience where a nurse mentor had shown me compassion during a tough shift, which had an enormous impact on my confidence. That conversation helped me realise that leadership isn’t always about titles—it’s about actions.
Being inspired by others
The most inspiring moments of the workshop came from the visiting speakers, who shared their leadership journeys in honest and often emotional ways. Each speaker brought a unique perspective—from those who had started in clinical practice and moved into senior roles, to others who had faced personal challenges but continued to advocate for excellence in nursing. One speaker’s journey particularly touched me. She spoke with such clarity and sincerity about the importance of believing in yourself, even when faced with doubt or barriers. Her message, “be the light for others,” stayed with me long after the session ended. This talk made me reflect on the role of nurses not just in delivering care but in leading by example. Her story of overcoming adversity and pushing through challenges to reach her full potential reminded me that leadership isn’t a linear path. It takes courage, vision, and a strong sense of purpose. She spoke about how her own mentors had empowered her, and how she now sees it as her responsibility to do the same for the next generation. That idea—that we all have the capacity to be a light for others—was deeply moving. I left that session with a stronger belief in my own potential and a commitment to support and uplift others wherever I can.
Final thoughts
The student leadership workshop was a powerful experience that reshaped how I view leadership within nursing. I learned that leading with emotional intelligence fosters stronger teams and safer care; that self-compassion is essential for resilience; and that compassionate leadership can change lives. Most importantly, I left inspired to lead not with ego, but with heart. The stories of those who have walked the path before me, remind me that I, too, have a light—and a responsibility—to carry forward. This journey is only just beginning.
Swansea University Student Leadership Academy 