From Sales to Nursing: How a Coventry Graduate's Career Leap Led to a Prestigious Daisy Award Nomination

A Coventry University graduate has been nominated for a prestigious Daisy Award after her dedication and compassion touched the lives of patients and their families.

At 32, Zoe Faulconbridge took a leap of faith to change careers, leaving behind a stable job in sales to follow her long-held ambition of working in healthcare. Initially drawn to midwifery, she discovered a love for adult nursing that surprised even herself.

I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy looking after adults as much as I do, but I love it, especially on the gastro ward. You get to know the whole family of the patients and hear their stories. Some patients are going through the worst times in their lives and being able to support them is so rewarding. — Zoe Faulconbridge

The Daisy Award is an international programme honouring extraordinary nurses. Zoe was nominated for "providing outstanding compassionate care" at George Eliot Hospital.

I don’t even know who nominated me, but it’s such a lovely feeling, especially as a newly qualified nurse. It makes you realise you’re doing a good job, even on those days when you wonder how you got through. — Zoe Faulconbridge

The nomination, which came as a pleasant surprise to Zoe, praised her "amazing bedside manner, tone and caring nature" which put the patient at ease.

Zoe started an Access to Health course during the pandemic before she went on to study for a degree in Adult Nursing, motivated by a desire to set an example for her two children, Teddy, aged six, and Thea, 10, showing them that it’s never too late to pursue your goals.

The course wasn’t easy, especially with kids, but I wanted to show them that you can still study later in life. — Zoe Faulconbridge

After completing her studies at Coventry University earlier this year, she joined the Adam Bede ward at George Eliot Hospital in February and quickly became a valued member of the team.

She is the first person on her ward to have been nominated for the award.