Jenna qualified as a Mental Health Nurse in 2023. Although a career in social care was not initially part of her plan, due to the negative perceptions of the sector encountered at university, in the media, and during nursing placements, her perspective changed after undertaking a social care placement with Exemplar Health Care.

Since qualifying, Jenna has built her nursing career exclusively within the social care sector and now works as a Unit Manager. She supports adults with complex needs and a wide range of health and care requirements. Passionate about social care nursing, Jenna is committed to challenging misconceptions about the profession and highlighting the rewarding opportunities it offers.

Jenna has a particular interest in working with nursing students, helping them to understand the diverse and fulfilling career pathways available outside of traditional NHS settings. She believes that social care nursing provides a unique opportunity to build meaningful relationships with the people being supported, often becoming a significant and trusted presence in their lives. She values the variety the role offers, with no two days being the same, and champions the high standard of person-centred care that can be delivered in social care environments.

In 2024, Jenna was named Preceptee of the Year at the Nursing Times Workforce Awards, the first year the category was introduced, an achievement she is extremely proud of. She has also delivered several webinars with Skills for Care and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), presenting to current nursing students and showcasing nursing careers beyond the NHS. In addition, she has participated in a simulation day at Sheffield Hallam University, further supporting the development and awareness of social care nursing among future healthcare professionals.