Career role model: Coral Boston

Coral is our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Lead

Education

Registered Nurse > Infection Prevention & Control Advanced Diploma > Public Health Certificate > Mary Seacole Leadership & Management > ILM 7 Executive Coach

Why nursing?

It sounds clichéd, but for as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a nurse. After growing up and seeing two aunts pursue a career in nursing, I felt inspired to follow a similar career path. Values such as compassion, caring and kindness were the very foundation that made me feel that I was cut out for a career in nursing.

Career path?

Highlights of my career: After qualifying as a registered nurse, I started out working on a Medical Assessment Unit in Leicestershire. Then moved to Cyprus where the opportunity presented itself for me to work in a PolyClinic for 12 months.

The best job ever was my time spent as a practice nurse in a military centre in Ayios Nikolaos, Cyprus. 7am starts and 13:00 finishes were a massive boost to my wellbeing. In 2002, it was time to move back to the UK where I started working on the bank before taking a substantive position on the C. diff Cohort ward. This is where I developed a interest in Infection Control… and the rest is history.

First Job?

My first job was working in my dad’s photography shop, where I learnt the art of photography and processing. Working with my dad grounded me in the mindset that there is no shortcut to success without hard work and due diligence.

Why this specialty?

I have had many jobs, from working as a practice nurse in a military medical centre in Cyprus to a specialist role in Infection Prevention and Control. My career change wasn’t planned, I didn’t wake up one morning and decide I wanted to be an EDI lead. There were many factors that led me to take on the role. The backdrop of George Floyd the and the pandemic shone a light on cultures, behaviours, inequalities and unfairness. For me, being the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Lead has been the most challenging but rewarding job in terms of helping to positively change the experience not just the people who work here but our patients too.

What obstacles have you faced and overcome?

We all face obstacles but one thing I’ve learnt is how we get over those obstacles. We recognise we are all different and some have had a better start in life compared to others. But this shouldn’t hold us back but make us more determined to succeed to be the best version of ourselves.

What role, if any, do you think that race has played in your career progression?

I have been fortunate; I have met people throughout my career who have only been supportive in recognising I was capable of doing more. I am aware that this isn’t the same for everyone. My advice is to surround yourself with positive people who value and support you as a person.

Do you have any tips for interviews and career progression?

The best advice I can give is practice, practice, practice. We all get nervous being interviewed. Take the opportunity to be an interviewer, this is a great opportunity to watch and listen to someone else and pick up tips. Observing interviews is also a great way to gain experience. The EDI team have commissioned a trainer who will provide interview skills training workshops that will be running from October through to February 2023, where you can learn skills such as job application, presentation and interview.

What qualities are essential in your position?

Standing up for values and beliefs for an equal, fair and tolerant society, where people can take part, have their say and achieve their dreams regardless of their protected characteristics.

Why Gloucestershire?

Arrived in 2002 with a view to move on after 3 years!

Sum yourself up in 3 words or phrases

‘Fun’, ‘Mischievous’, ‘Enthusiastic’ and because I’m greedy I will add a fourth word, ‘Passionate’.