From newly-qualified nurse to unit manager: a leadership journey in social care

To explore how early career nurses can develop into confident leaders within adult social care, we spoke to Jenna Stocks, Mental Health Nurse and Unit Manager at Yarningdale Healthcare Ltd, part of Exemplar Healthcare. Jenna shared her journey from newly-qualified nurse to leadership, reflecting on the experiences, support and development that shaped her career.

Jenna’s decision to begin her career in social care was not part of her original plan. Like many student nurses, she had initially considered roles in other sectors and had already secured job offers elsewhere. However, a placement in a social care setting during her nursing studies proved transformative. Experiencing the environment first-hand gave her a new perspective on what nursing could look like beyond acute settings.

She reflected that what stood out most was the continuity of care. Rather than brief interactions with patients, she was able to spend meaningful time with the people she supported, building deeper relationships with both them and their families. This experience led her to reassess her career path. She made the decision to withdraw from previously accepted roles and instead begin her career within Exemplar Healthcare.

For Jenna, the opportunity to really understand the people she cares for and to be part of their longer-term journey remains one of the most rewarding aspects of working in social care.

Like many newly-qualified nurses, Jenna experienced a period of self-doubt when she first entered practice. Although her team had confidence in her ability, she initially lacked confidence in herself. Her transition was supported through a structured preceptorship period, where she worked as a supernumerary nurse alongside a more experienced colleague. This allowed her to shadow clinical practice in a supportive environment, build confidence in her decision-making, gradually take on more responsibility and develop independence at a manageable pace.

Over time, Jenna moved from observing and supporting to leading shifts herself. This gradual progression was key to building both her competence and confidence. She highlights that this early support was instrumental in helping her recognise her own potential and settle into her role successfully.

As Jenna grew in confidence and experience, her potential for leadership was recognised by senior colleagues. Although she did not yet have all the formal experience typically required for a management position, her organisation took a proactive approach to supporting her development.

She was offered a range of opportunities to prepare for leadership, including participation in a leadership development programme tailored to unit managers, a trial-in-role period that gave her practical exposure to leadership responsibilities, and ongoing support and mentorship from the management team and Clinical Nurse Manager.

This approach enabled Jenna to build the skills and insight required for leadership before formally stepping into the role. It also ensured that she felt ready and supported, rather than overwhelmed. Jenna describes the organisational culture as one that actively identifies and nurtures potential, creating clear pathways for progression.

Jenna is now working as a Unit Manager, leading a team and overseeing the delivery of care within her service. Reflecting on her journey, she is clear that she would not have reached this stage without the support she received, particularly during her early career. She believes that without preceptorship and continued professional development opportunities, she would not have had the confidence to apply for a leadership role.

Her development has not stopped at this point. Jenna continues to be supported in expanding her skills and is being encouraged to consider future progression into more senior clinical leadership roles. She emphasises that access to ongoing development opportunities has been critical not only for career progression but also for maintaining motivation and job satisfaction.

A key theme in Jenna’s experience is the importance of investment in nursing staff. She notes that continuous development opportunities help to build confidence and competence, prevent burnout by maintaining engagement and motivation, encourage nurses to remain within the organisation, and reduce the risk of complacency or staff leaving the sector.

Jenna highlights that nursing is a demanding profession, and without opportunities to grow and be challenged, it can be easy for individuals to lose their sense of purpose or passion. For her, being supported to try new things, take on responsibility and develop her leadership skills has been essential to her long-term commitment to the role and organisation.

Jenna also reflected on a wider challenge facing the sector: a lack of awareness and understanding of social care among nursing students. She expressed concern that some newly-qualified nurses struggle to find roles, while at the same time overlooking the opportunities available in social care. In her view, this highlights a need to increase exposure to social care during nurse training, challenge misconceptions about the sector, and promote social care as a rewarding and viable first career choice.

Her own experience demonstrates how impactful early exposure can be in shaping career decisions.

Jenna Stocks’ journey illustrates how newly-qualified nurses can build fulfilling and progressive careers within social care. Starting with a placement experience that changed her perspective, she has developed from a newly-qualified nurse with limited confidence into a Unit Manager leading a team.

Her story highlights the critical role of structured preceptorship, supportive team environments, proactive leadership development opportunities and organisational investment in staff potential. Through these elements, Jenna has been able to recognise her own capabilities, grow in confidence and take on leadership responsibility.

Her experience demonstrates that with the right support, social care can offer not only meaningful, relationship-centred nursing practice but also clear and rewarding pathways into leadership.

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