How to lead change and make a difference as a nursing student

A diabetes prevention event led by students identified at-risk patients and sparked a nationwide health promotion initiative

Although Amy Barlow knew she wanted to become a general practice nurse, finding a clinical placement in a GP surgery was tough – but once there, she was able to make a huge difference.

‘I had a week-long placement in general practice in my first year and really enjoyed it,’ says Ms Barlow, an adult nursing student at Northumbria University at the time.

‘Towards the end of my second year, I knew I didn’t want my future career to be ward-based, but it was hard to get a general practice placement as they are few and far between. I kept