International Nurses Day – celebrating the impact of our practice development team

When you think of a nurse, it’s easy to picture someone working on a hospital ward or in a clinical setting. But at Northumbria Healthcare, the role of a nurse extends far beyond the bedside. This International Nurses Day, we’re proud to highlight the incredible contributions of the diverse nursing professionals across our trust.

At the heart of this community is our Practice Development Team. They play a vital role in shaping the future of nursing within our organisation—driving innovation, championing excellence, and fostering continuous improvement in patient-centred care. Their work empowers our nursing workforce and helps ensure we consistently deliver the highest standards across all areas of care.

Sharon Harrison, NMAHP education and development lead 

I’ve had the privilege of working as the NMAHP (nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals) education & development lead for just over three years, overseeing the brilliant practice development team, health care support worker development, resuscitation, and mouth care — alongside teaching as a senior clinical lecturer for the BSc Professional Pathway. As a nurse myself, I truly understand how healthcare continues to evolve — and with it, the need to support and empower our nurses to grow, adapt, and thrive. Our goal is simple but powerful: to help nurses deliver the best possible care.

My passion for nursing was sparked in school while volunteering in a local hospital. Listening to patients' stories helped shape my belief in seeing the person, not just the diagnosis.

The Practice Development Team plays a key role in driving quality improvements, constantly identifying areas where clinical practice can be enhanced to achieve better outcomes for our patients.

A major development for the team has been the opening of the Health and Care Academy — a real game changer in how we deliver education. The state-of-the-art facilities, including our immersive suite, allow for interactive, hands-on learning. It’s here that learners can step into realistic healthcare scenarios, building the confidence and skills they need to face real-world challenges.

A major focus for us recently has been our deteriorating patient education programme. This course is designed to help staff recognise when a patient’s condition is worsening and respond effectively — whether that means initiating treatment or escalating. What makes this programme so impactful is how we’ve tailored it to reflect our own trust environments, replicating our wards to give learners an authentic, practical experience. Caring for an unwell patient in a high-pressure environment can be daunting, and this training gives our staff the assurance to act decisively and effectively.

Coaching is another important thread in my work — supporting staff to overcome challenges, build confidence, and achieve personal and professional goals. Whether through one-to-one coaching or structured education, I am deeply committed to nurturing talent, improving patient care, and helping our workforce thrive in an increasingly demanding healthcare landscape.

What I love most about my role is seeing our healthcare professionals grow — not just in their ability to care for patients, but in their own careers. While we may not be on the front lines of patient care, we’re proud to be the team that supports those who are, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver the very best.

Nofra Anika De-Lara, practice development lead 

My nursing journey began in the Philippines and took a major turn in 2017 when I moved to the UK. Since then, I’ve worked at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, gaining valuable experience in emergency care and building resilience under pressure.

Motivated by a desire to keep learning and support others, I became a Clinical Educator in internal medicine, mentoring future healthcare professionals. This led to my current role as Practice Development Lead at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, where I lead initiatives to improve nursing and allied health practices.

I focus on continuous professional development by designing training programs and workshops that keep staff updated on clinical best practices and new technologies. I also mentor internationally educated nurses, helping them adapt, grow in confidence, and succeed in their roles.

Inclusive leadership is central to my work—I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where staff feel heard and valued. I advocate for better working conditions and represent nurses at strategic meetings to influence positive change.

One highlight has been launching “Gastro Days,” a successful training program for gastroenterology staff that started at one ward and quickly expanded across the Trust due to high demand and positive feedback.

I’m passionate about improving healthcare through collaboration, innovation, and strategic leadership. My work continues to be both challenging and deeply rewarding.

“I am thankful for the Practice Development Team's support. Nofra's commitment to a safe learning environment has been crucial for my growth as a UK nurse. Her personalised mentorship and teaching helped me feel confident and competent in my role.”

Quote from an internationally educated nurse