How Donna’s MSc Led to a Leadership in Nursing Promotion - Days After Graduation
Published: March 17, 2025Balancing a demanding role as a Ward Manager while pursuing an MSc in Leadership and Healthcare requires dedication. For Donna Wigmore, this journey not only enhanced her skills but also led to a well-deserved promotion just days after graduating. Her story is a powerful testament to the impact of lifelong learning and career progression.
We had the privilege of speaking with Donna about her experience studying for the MSc in Leadership and Healthcare and how it shaped her career path.
What motivated you to pursue the MSc in Leadership?
“I was in my role as a Ward Manager and it was discussed at my annual appraisal with the Senior Nurse for me to look at completing this course. My Senior Nurse at the time was already in the process of completing the same course and she shared she felt it would be good progress for me in my leadership nurse journey.
I was hesitant at first to return to learning, but I made some enquiries and submitted my application after reviewing the content in the medical leadership courses online. I did feel it would be suitable for me.”
Could you share more about your new role and how the qualification played a part in securing the promotion?
"Shortly after starting the course, I was successful in a seconded role for 2 years as a Specialist Dementia Practitioner. I'm very passionate about improving patient experience and this role was linked very closely to some of the work I had been completing on my ward but on organisational scale rather than ward based, this was a really perfect opportunity for me to progress my skills alongside studying for the course. I was putting the theory into practice in my role, and I was in a fortunate position that I could put my learning into practice regularly throughout the course. This enabled me to draw on real life examples in my work throughout the course also.
The secondment was due to end February 2025 which was around the same time as my graduation and completion of my MSc, this allowed me to apply for a new role that was advertised for Senior Nurse Dementia Care - for me the perfect ending to my 2 years on secondment and studying alongside was to secure the promotion into my perfect job."
What’s one (unexpected) thing you learned on the course that made the biggest impact in your job?
"I didn't expect to take so much benefit from online learning. Meeting people from all over the world and learning from each other and drawing on each other's experiences was unexpected for me. In the beginning with time differences and adapting to online learning I thought it was going to be a real barrier to me getting through the course but it actually turned out to be a huge benefit to me in terms of learning and experiences and I was fortunate to work with a great group throughout the course."
Do you feel you’ve become more of a specialist compared to when you started?
"I've most definitely grown in confidence and knowledge from when I started this course. There are many aspects of leadership in nursing that I hadn't given thought to. The theory has most definitely allowed me to develop my leadership skills and my ability to manage different situations, as well as applying reasoning and meaning to challenges, barriers and solutions on a much wider scale. Also, the different styles of learning and tasks we were asked to do made me step outside of my comfort zone in lots of ways that has now given me much more confidence."
How were you supported throughout your studies?
"I was very fortunate to have been supported really well by my workplace, my protected study time was honoured and my workplace colleagues were very supportive to my learning and development throughout. I was able to contact the Learna team at any point I required support and this was always responded to timely and my course leader and tutors were very approachable and contactable throughout the course."
What advice would you give to someone thinking of taking this course?
"I would say take the step even if it's outside your comfort zone, you will be surprised what you can achieve. I never thought that I would complete a course of this level but I'm really glad I did as it has really helped me reach so much in my nursing career."
Donna Wigmore’s journey is a shining example of how education can be a catalyst for career growth. Her story proves that with dedication, resilience, and the right support, anything is possible.
If you are looking to enhance your career in nursing, our popular leadership in healthcare programmes can open doors to new opportunities, just as they did for Donna. Are you ready to take your nursing career to the next level? Explore our medical leadership courses online and discover how a leadership course for nurses can empower you to achieve your career goals!