Publish date: 4 December 2025
My name is Rumbie Nyengerai and I am a proud registered mental health clinician, currently serving as a Unit Co-ordinator for Sefton, covering Clock View Hospital, Hartley Hospital and the Brain Injuries Unit. Originally from Zimbabwe, I migrated to the UK in 2001, and since November 2005, I have had the privilege of working within the NHS, marking 20 years of service this year.
During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to work across almost all the units and hospitals in Mersey Care, except for Ashworth, contributing to a variety of clinical areas and learning invaluable lessons along the way. My current role as Unit Co-ordinator has allowed me to lead, develop and support my team but my journey is far from complete.
A journey of growth and perseverance
When I reflect on my clinical progression, I acknowledge that while I have not yet reached all my personal and professional goals, I have never given up on my own development. As my mother always told me, “Never give up on your goals, even when those around you may not see your vision.” This has been my guiding principle throughout my nursing career.
I trained at Liverpool John Moores University, where I was proud to be one of the first students to graduate with a BA Hons in Nursing in just three years. Throughout my nursing career, I’ve always sought to improve myself, both personally and professionally. I completed courses in Supervision and Mentoring, and in 2014, I proudly became the only person from our Trust to complete the prestigious Mary Seacole Programme, a postgraduate course in Clinical Leadership.
My academic journey continued with a Master’s in Management and Leadership and I’ve continued to seek out opportunities for growth, enrolling in courses such as Thrive, Strive and numerous online programmes to expand my knowledge in research and leadership. Additionally, I have been honoured to serve as a mentor for both students and staff within the NHS and the NHS Northwest Leadership Academy.
A dream of management
Though I’m proud of the progress I’ve made, my journey is far from over. I aspire to take on a management role in the future; to not only share the wealth of knowledge I have acquired over the years but to also guide the next generation of health care professionals. I remain eager to push forward and achieve this goal, regardless of the challenges I may face along the way.
I was also selected for a competitive 12 month leadership development programme aimed at supporting ethnically diverse future leaders living or working in the Liverpool City Region (LCR). During this programme, I had the incredible opportunity to shadow a senior leader, gaining valuable exposure to strategic planning, inclusive leadership, and high level decision making. This experience has further solidified my desire to step into a leadership role and continue developing my skills to support diverse and inclusive leadership in health care.
Life beyond the NHS: Family and personal triumphs
Outside of my professional life, I am first and foremost a proud mother and wife. My husband has been my unwavering support throughout the ups and downs of my career and together, we are raising four beautiful daughters and a wonderful grandson. Though none of my girls are currently interested in following in my nursing footsteps - often citing the pressures and challenges of the profession - I am proud of their personal achievements. My daughters have chosen to pursue other careers, with one recently graduating in accounting and finance and I fully support them in these paths.
A celebration of 20 years
As I mark my 20th anniversary within the NHS, I am filled with immense pride. I am proud to be a nurse, proud to serve the NHS and proud to continue working full time in a profession that has been my passion for two decades. I also take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate my roots - proud to be a black woman in nursing and in leadership.
Conclusion
As I celebrate 20 years of dedication to the NHS, I reflect on the people I’ve met, the challenges I’ve overcome, and the knowledge I’ve gained. I’m still here, still standing, still proud to be a nurse and still determined to grow and contribute to the future of health care. Thank you to my colleagues, my mentors and my family for your unwavering support. Here’s to the next 20 years!