How the Queen’s Nurse Development Programme changes lives every day

The Queen’s Nurse Development Programme is a nine-month programme delivered by QNIS and offered annually to around 20 nurses and midwives working in community roles in Scotland.

The programme comprises leadership theories, systems change theories, reflective practice and, importantly, focuses on placing the nurse or midwife at the centre, supporting them to identify what helps them flourish in their roles so they can go forward with a renewed sense of purpose and agency; to make the difference they wish to see.

Participants are asked to focus on an issue which is important to them and addresses a health inequity within their local community. The Queen’s Nurse acts a role model for excellent community nursing and midwifery and shares their learning within their teams and beyond.

Mags Morrow was part of the 2024 cohort of Queen’s Nurses. Here she reflects on how the programme transformed her both professionally and personally. 

Being nominated for the QNIS development programme was a true honour. When I found out I had been shortlisted, it felt surreal. At the interview, surrounded by so many accomplished practitioners, I couldn’t help but feel like an imposter. As I listened to their amazing achievements, I kept thinking, “What have I done to deserve this?”

Looking back, I realise those feelings of self-doubt were misplaced. After completing the QNIS programme, I came to understand that I am exactly what a Queen’s Nurse is meant to be. I am a leader. I inspire others. I am tenacious, resilient, and I empower people. I am a voice for my profession, my team, and my patients. It’s not often we get the chance to reflect on ourselves, and being able to tell “my story” helped me recognise that I am a good nurse and, more importantly, that I want to be the role model that others aspire to. Securing a place on the QNIS programme allowed me to fine-tune my strengths and develop new skills to not only improve who I am but help me become the person I strive to be.

Too often, nurses are referred to as “just a nurse,” but my role is much more than a title. Officially, I am a Clinical Nurse Manager (CNM), but in practice, I am also the clinical and operational lead for the nurse-led urgent care service, CWIC (Care When It Counts). This means I’m responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, as well as day-to-day running of the service, ensuring clinical governance, managing the team, and leading as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP). Balancing both clinical and management roles gives me the ability to challenge preconceptions and see situations from multiple perspectives, which helps resolve conflicts and improves patient care.

My working days are dynamic, filled with challenges, and that’s what I thrive on. From managing meetings and consultations to handling a diverse range of patient cases, the joy of making a difference is always present. When patients leave feeling heard, cared for, and reassured, that’s when I know I’ve done my job well.

The QNIS programme provided me with the opportunity to focus on a development project that could make a significant impact on those I care for. I initiated a pilot programme to improve access to same-day urgent care in East Lothian, enabling people to contact CWIC directly instead of having to go through GP referrals.

Working closely with my community and team is a privilege. It’s inspiring to understand their needs and challenges, which keeps me focused on what truly matters to them—not just what the system requires. Knowing that I can be an advocate for people in my local community and make a meaningful difference in their lives keeps me motivated. In my role, I can have a direct and positive impact on others and inspire my team by leading through example.

I wanted to find my voice and make a difference for patients in my community, and this experience has been transformative both professionally and personally. It helped me see my strengths and build the confidence to advocate for both my team and my patients. The QNIS gave me the courage to speak up and show others that their voices matter. I am deeply passionate about nursing and want others to see the impact they, too, can make.

Through my work and the recognition of becoming a Queen’s Nurse, I aim to continue embodying the values of advocacy, leadership, and care, serving as an inspiration to others within the nursing profession and beyond.