Fatou Bah Bah

Please tell us about your current role and employer

I am currently a Sister/Nurse in Charge in Acute Medicine at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. I began my nursing career there as an Acute Medicine Nurse in 2023 and was promoted to Sister/Nurse in Charge in November 2024.

Alongside my clinical role, I am the founder and leader of Ebou Mala's Children Charitable Foundation (EMCCF), a charity that delivers education, healthcare, emergency service and menstrual health projects in The Gambia. In 2022, I was honoured to be selected as a Birmingham Commonwealth Games Batonbearer in recognition of my community and voluntary work.

What does a typical day in your current role look like?

No two days are ever the same, and that's one of the things I love most about my role. In acute medicine, every hour—or even every minute—can bring a completely different challenge. One moment I may be caring for patients with minor illnesses, and the next I could be leading the response to a cardiac arrest or another life-threatening emergency.

As the nurse in charge, I also coordinate the ward, support and supervise staff, and make rapid clinical decisions to ensure patient safety. Like many NHS services, we regularly face staff and bed shortages, so I have to prioritise patient care, manage patient flow and work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure patients receive timely treatment while helping ambulances offload safely. Although the role is demanding, I genuinely enjoy the variety, responsibility and opportunity to make a difference every day.

How do you feel the learning experience on your course helped to prepare you for your career?

The MSc Nursing programme gave me an excellent balance of academic knowledge and clinical experience. Being part of the first cohort meant we worked closely with lecturers to help shape and improve the course for future students. We weren't just students—we actively contributed to the development, monitoring and evaluation of the programme.

Studying during the COVID-19 pandemic also made the experience unique. Although some clinical experiences were restricted, the placements we completed exposed us to real-life healthcare challenges and helped me develop rapid patient assessment, clinical decision-making and escalation skills. These experiences prepared me to work confidently in the fast-paced environment of acute medicine, where critical thinking, teamwork and evidence-based practice are essential every day.

What were the best things about your course?

Without a doubt, studying during the COVID-19 pandemic made my experience unique. It was a challenging time, but it also taught me resilience, adaptability and teamwork.

Being part of the University's very first MSc Nursing cohort was another highlight. We worked alongside our lecturers to continuously improve the programme, and it was rewarding to know that our experiences and feedback helped shape the course for future students.

What was your biggest achievement during your course? (personal, professional or academic)?

My biggest achievement was balancing becoming a first-time mother with completing my degree. I gave birth to my first daughter just six months before graduating and was still able to complete my studies on time, graduating with a 2:1.

This would not have been possible without the incredible support I received from the University, my lecturers and the placement team. They provided encouragement, flexibility and understanding throughout my journey, enabling me to succeed both academically and personally. Looking back, it remains one of the achievements I am most proud of because it demonstrated that, with the right support and determination, it is possible to overcome significant challenges and achieve your goals.

What are your top tips for students graduating today?

My biggest piece of advice is simple: you will only know by trying. Don't let fear stop you from taking opportunities or stepping outside your comfort zone.

Secondly, never underestimate the power of networking. The relationships you build with your lecturers, placement supervisors and fellow students can open doors throughout your career. Be curious, ask questions, keep learning and remember that every experience—whether positive or challenging—is an opportunity for growth.