RCN Students Committee

Alisha Brown, Chair

Member of the Professional Nursing Committee and ex-officio member of the Students Committee, January 2024 - December 2025

Alisha is an Adult and Mental Health Nursing student, and has been an RCN Student Ambassador since 2020. Alisha was previously the student member of the Trade Union Committee (2022-2023), and is now the student member of the Professional Nursing Committee (2024-2025). Alisha is also an ex-officio member of the Students Committee, and was elected as its Chair in January 2024.

Through social media, she has found her voice and passion for activism, using her creativity to get involved with the RCN’s campaigns. Alisha aims to empower student members to be more active within the RCN and increase member engagement. 

Lou Hyett-Collins, Vice Chair

Member for Scotland, January 2023 - December 2024

Lou is a third year adult nursing student at The University of the Highlands and Islands in Inverness. A mature student, she pursued a career change to nursing after a 20 year career as an English and Sociology teacher in Wales, Devon and Cornwall. She has been Student Voice Representative for her cohort since 2021, an RCN Voting Volunteer and RCN Student Ambassador. She is also a member of the Scottish Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce Attraction Subcommittee. Passionate about improving nurse education and mature and LGBTQ+ student experiences, she aims to use her time on the committee to encourage student engagement within the RCN. Additionally, she hopes to put her experience as an educational leader to good use. Upon qualifying, she aspires to work in community nursing and ultimately pursue a role in nurse education.

Sam Moffat

Student Member of RCN Council, January 2023 - December 2024

Sam is a 3rd year adult nursing student in Dundee. He has had placements in hospital wards, community hospitals, district nursing and outpatients. Sam has also worked as a carer for the past few years both in care homes and the community, something which opened his eyes to nursing when he left school at the start of the pandemic. Being a part of the 2020 cohort has been difficult for Sam and his fellow student nurses. Most of them have only ever yet seen nursing through the lens of Covid, through the face masks and the visors and the isolation. Sam has had placements where he was one of the only other human beings a patient saw, with not even their family allowed in to see them. Sam has had to isolate in cramped university halls bedrooms due to catching Covid on shift, and he has been separated from meeting his fellow students through online classes. Yet still, Sam is in love with nursing, the importance of a nurse's role and the privilege that it is to play such an important part in another human’s story. "We may not remember every patient we see, but they will remember us". 

In 2023 nurses have found their voices and are using them. Sam feels privileged to be in a position where he can advocate for all of his fellow nursing students, not just in Scotland, but in Wales, Northern Ireland and England. As the Student member of Council he wants to ensure all student nurses can be heard, and he looks forward to interacting with as many fellow students and staff as he can, to widen his knowledge of the issues effecting students. One of Sam's key commitments when running for Council was to advocate for free tuition for every student in the UK. Sam has the privilege of free education and a £10,000 a year bursary in Scotland, and it baffles him that nursing students aren't valued enough across the rest of the country to do the same. Sam feels that with the NHS in crisis we should enable more people to come take up this wonderful, challenging role.

The cost-of-living crisis is affecting every member of the RCN right now, and students are no exception. Sam wants to explore how his fellow students are weathering this storm and see how the RCN as an organisation can help. RCN Scotland has already released a survey to students to see how students are coping in Scotland, and Sam will be keen to reach out across the rest of the UK to see where students can be best supported. 

Of course, at this pivotal time for nursing as profession, news on strikes and industrial action is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, but Sam wants to ensure members that the voice of students is not being lost. Sam is first and foremost a student, and he advocates for student members what he would want for himself and for his younger sister who is in her first year of nursing. As the voice for nursing students on Council, Sam is so grateful to have the amazing Student Committee by his side who will work incredibly hard to ensure student voices are heard by Sam, and then heard by the entire RCN Council.

Natasha Green

Member for Eastern, January 2024 - December 2025

Natasha is in her second year at the University of East Anglia, studying BSc (Hons) in adult nursing. She is also an RCN student ambassador and was an Eastern board member on the student committee before beginning her term.

Before the pandemic, Natasha worked as a merchandiser assistant for a homeware company in the UK, with a master's degree in fashion management and a bachelor's in drama. However, watching the world change through the pandemic and subsequently experiencing lockdown as a vulnerable person, Natasha chose to change careers and began working as a care worker. Through this work, she gained experience working in palliative care and domiciliary care, working with adults with complex needs, and safeguarding vulnerable adults. Through this experience and encouragement from her best friend, Natasha chose to go into adult nursing.

Natasha herself was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis at the age of 15 and has experienced varying levels of care from professionals, which drives her to advocate for those with invisible disabilities and all her patients and her vision to change the nursing workforce for the better. This passing of her best friend due to negligence and the misdiagnosis of her sister’s multiple sclerosis exacerbates this drive and her passion for positive change.

Natasha is also the president of UEA’s nursing society, having worked over the summer of 2023 to have the nursing society reinstated with a new committee and a short-term and long-term sustainability plan for the nursing society and its involvement with its members and health science students within the university.

Natasha hopes to inspire future nurses with disabilities and long-term health conditions by sharing the highs and lows of her nursing journey through her social media: @natashastudentnurse (Instagram), @tasha.green.studentnurse (TikTok) and @NatashaJane2202 (X formerly Twitter).

Natasha plans to use her position on the student committee to ensure every student’s voice is heard, regardless of their learning path. She hopes to inspire current and future nurses to join and get involved with the RCN and to create a positive change for the future nursing workforce.

Amy Walker

Member for East Midlands, January 2024 - December 2025

Amy is a third year Child and Mental Health student at the University of Leicester. Before pursing nursing, Amy gained experience in the NHS working in a GP surgery and volunteered for Girlguiding for several years leading her to want a career with children. Since becoming a nursing student, Amy has become very passionate about improving things for students. She has taken on the roles of course representative, lead peer mentor, writing the newsletter and now co-president of the relaunched nursing society. Her particular interests include student and nurse wellbeing and developing to become the best ally she can be. Amy is an RCN Student Ambassador and became inspired to become more involved in the RCN after attending Congress last year. 

Zaneta Sadauskaite

Member for London, October 2023 - December 2024

Zaneta is a dedicated second-year Adult Nursing student at the University of East London, currently serving as the London member of the RCN UK Students Committee. As a passionate student representative, Zaneta advocates for the needs of the nursing community, bringing a strategic perspective with her background in business management. Her commitment extends beyond academics, indulging in long walks in nature, culinary pursuits, and a love for reading. Zaneta invites others to join her in making a meaningful impact on nursing education, fostering a community where every voice is heard and valued.

Faith Aidamoisa

Member for Northern, March 2024 - December 2025

Faith is a third year MSc (pre-reg) Adult Nursing Student at Teesside University, with previous background in Human Physiology (BSc) and Public Health – Health Promotion (MSc). Faith has been involved in several community projects, designing and implementing strategic interventions to help improve individuals’ physical health, as well as help them make better healthier choices. Faith has also been involved in quite a few volunteer activities including a community peer research project with the Centre for Health Promotion Research (CHPR), Leeds Beckett University (her Alumnus) where she worked with experienced public health researchers and co-produced a research design to explore women’s experience of gambling.  More recently, she has volunteered as a delegate member of the CSW68 UN UK women 2024 delegation, advocating for the empowerment of every woman and girl child.

With her rich background in Public Health and her developing career in Nursing, Faith is passionate about advocacy, behavioural science, health education and research. Faith is working towards becoming a nurse educator and researcher, while also advocating for health equity for all. Throughout Faith’s educational period, Faith has always been keen about helping her fellow students in whatever ways she can, including providing tutorial support. She is currently serving as a Course Representative for her cohort at Teesside University, representing students’ views, mediating conflicts, and synthesising diverse perspectives into cohesive recommendations.

Faith believes that she can advocate for the needs and concerns of international nursing students within the UK, especially as she is one herself. She believes that international nursing students are an essential part of the UK’s nursing force. As a member of the RCN Student Committee, Faith aspires to be a catalyst for positive change, leveraging her existing skills and knowledge to effectively convey every nursing student’s view, ideas and concerns. 

Ajirioghene Akpoviri

Member for North West, April 2023 - December 2024

Ajirioghene Akpoviri is a passionate advocate for well-being and an empathic caregiver. With an academic background in Human Physiology (BSc Hons.) and Sports Science (MSc), specializing in Strength and Conditioning, she is committed to promoting fitness and health. Additionally, she is a certified trainer for "Make Every Contact Count (MECC)" for Mental Health. Currently, she is pursuing her studies at the University of Central Lancashire to become a qualified adult nurse. All driven by her passion for helping others achieve better health and fitness.

David Shaw

Member for Northern Ireland, March 2024 - December 2024

David is a second-year Mental Health Nursing student at The Open University in Belfast. He started his degree in October 2022. In 2023, he became an RCN Student Ambassador and participated in The Council of Deans of Health (CoDH) Student Leadership Programme. 

David has a wealth of experience in Health and Social care. He has worked as a Senior Nursing Assistant for over three years within the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust. Before that, he worked for a mental health charity, at a Supported Living Scheme, as a Support Worker and then as a Team Leader. In addition, he worked as a detached youth worker for over a decade in his local community. These roles have given him extensive experience working with people and getting the best out of himself and others.

David is passionate about the future of nursing, and he is particularly concerned about the learning experiences of student nurses and their financial struggles throughout their studies. He believes that there is a lack of mental health services provision in Northern Ireland compared to the rest of the UK. He feels that improvements are needed in forensic services, children’s services, and the ability to treat Personality Disorders in Northern Ireland itself, instead of relying on support from other parts of the UK.

David's ultimate goal is to make a positive difference in Health & Social Care services. He believes there will be substantial changes within the sector in the coming years, and he wants to be actively involved in implementing change for the better. He is passionate about creating a health service that future nurses will want to be a part of for the long term. Once qualified, David aims to pursue a career in Forensic Mental Health Nursing. 

Emma Henry

Member for Northern Ireland, January 2024 - December 2025

Emma is currently a final year Adult Nursing Student at Ulster University, having started her degree in September 2021 after the completion of a Foundation Degree in Health. Emma has been involved in the health sector since 2019 as a nursing assistant with particular involvement in the Mass Vaccination Clinics for Covid19. Emma is an RCN Student Ambassador since June 2023 and has a keen interest in the future of nursing and the experiences of student nurses. Emma is also a fundraiser for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. Emma hopes to be a specialist palliative care nurse once qualified.

Shivonne MacLean

Member for Scotland, January 2024 - December 2025

Shivonne is a 3rd year Adult Nursing student at the University of the Highlands & Islands in Inverness. She has worked in residential care for a number of years, and has trained as an advanced dementia practitioner, as well as becoming a trainer for Prevention of Stress & Distress, and a Moving & Handling trainer. She hopes to work in Community/District nursing after graduation, and has a particular interest in tissue viability/wound care. Shivonne hopes to use her time on the committee to be a voice for issues facing rural nursing students, and neurodivergent students. She has been an RCN Student Ambassador since 2021, and attended RCN Congress in 2023 as a voting member for her local branch.

Marian-Florentin Zanfir

Member for South East, March 2024 - December 2024

Marian-Florentin is studying BSc Hons Adult Nursing at the University of Brighton, where he is the President of the University's Nursing Society. His proactive approach and genuine interest in working with people have enabled him to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for his fellow students, promoting collaboration and shared learning.

Before embarking on his nursing journey, Marian honed his interpersonal skills and work ethic through roles as a waiter and kitchen associate in a pub. This early experience laid the foundation for his transition into healthcare, where he discovered a profound satisfaction in caring for others. His work in care homes and nursing homes allowed him to connect with both adults and children with learning disabilities and autism, demonstrating his adaptability and compassionate nature.

As a Complex Care Healthcare Assistant, Marian faced more challenging yet rewarding responsibilities, working closely with children with various conditions that required ventilator support. This experience not only sharpened his clinical skills but also deepened his understanding of the complexities of patient care.

While working in a hospice, and going to that establishment on placement, Marian found his true calling in palliative care and end-of-life care. His time as a Healthcare Assistant in this setting reaffirmed his commitment to providing comfort and support to patients and their families during their most vulnerable moments.

Looking ahead, Marian is determined to leverage his knowledge and experience to support other nursing students through their training. He aspires to empower them to become exceptional and compassionate nurses, equipped to make meaningful contributions to healthcare.

Furthermore, Marian is eager to contribute to various campaigns that aim to benefit nursing students across the United Kingdom. With his passion for advocacy and his dedication to the nursing profession, Marian is aiming to make a significant impact on the future of nursing education and patient care.

Harry Hayes

Member for South West, January 2024 - December 2025

Harry is a third year Adult and Mental Health Student Nurse at Exeter University, on the MSci Nursing programme. He is a passionate advocate for all nursing students and has an interest in increasing the profile of neurodiversity within the profession. Harry has a keen interest in emergency nursing and aspires to work within this area upon qualifying. You can follow Harry’s nursing journey on Twitter @HarryRHayes17. Outside of nursing Harry enjoys keeping active through Running and rock climbing.

Mike Palmer

Member for Wales, January 2023 - December 2024

Mike is a first year Student Mental Health Nurse studying at Swansea University in Wales, beginning his degree in March 2022. He is a RCN Student Ambassador and the Mental Health Student Representative for the Swansea University March Cohort which has provided him with invaluable experience relating to this role. He is also a student member of Sigma Nursing international.  

Mike has previously studied to degree level and currently works as a Bank HCSW within Hywel Dda. He is looking to develop his practical psychological skills, understanding, knowledge and experience across all specialities within nursing. He is interested in writing and has been published three times with Student Voice articles within Mental Health Nursing magazine. Mike is looking to continue to develop his leadership skills by applying for the Swansea University Leadership Academy and the Council of Deans Student Leadership Progamme this year. He feels that Nursing and medicine are endlessly fascinating subjects and a continuous journey of learning and self-improvement.   
 
Mike is a confident, fun, creative, persuasive person who has no problem challenging rationales and logics at any level. He is a critical, free thinker, has developed good communication skills and is happy to talk to people at all levels within organisations. As a person living with chronic nerve pain, Mike’s condition has also helped him to develop strong understanding, emotional intelligence, empathy and compassion skills with patients, nurses, and other students through lived experience. Mike is passionate about raising the standards of nursing training within the UK so that it can develop world leading training and support for nurses. During his time on the Student Committee, he hopes to work towards making positive changes for fellow nursing students across the UK. He also hopes to assist the RCN in developing more respect at a government level for the vital role that nurses play within the NHS.

Mike is a strong advocate for more independent nurse led practice, someone who is focused and driven to become the best healthcare practitioner he can be and is looking forward to the challenge of being part of the Student Committee which will enable him to connect and build further relationships with other students, RCN members, and further develop his leadership and advocacy skills. 

Lauren Healan

Member for Wales, January 2024 - December 2025

Lauren is a second year Adult Nursing student at the University of South Wales. She has worked in a variety of clinical placements from wards to clinics, theatres and nurse specialists roles. She found her passion for nursing from a young age while watching her grandfather go through renal failure and dialysis. She started her career off working in nursing homes gaining confidence and experience looking after people and families until the COVID 19 pandemic took its financial impact and made her redundant. It was there she decided to finally fulfil her dream of becoming a registered nurse and went back to college to start her journey.

At the first week of university, she joined the RCN and applied to become a Student Ambassador and has spent the last year in her ambassador role, supporting her peers and attending online seminars, conferences and events before applying to join the committee.

Lauren's goal in the RCN is making sure student nurses retain their supernumerary status and are funded fairly for their hard work and dedication. 

Jordan Kelly

Member for West Midlands, September 2023 - December 2024

Jordan is an Adult and Mental Health Nursing Student at Birmingham City University. He has been a Course Representative for the Students' Union, Student Ambassador for the RCN, branch member for RCN Birmingham South, and attended RCN Congress in Brighton in 2023. Jordan is keen on improving the student voice, where outcomes for students can be championed. He is a campaigner for safe staffing, and supernumerary status for students being protected. Jordan also wants to help empower student nurses in the West Midlands to be empowered to use their voice, joining in the voice of change for the nursing profession.

Elisha Eady

Member for Yorkshire & the Humber, March 2024 - December 2024

Elisha is a 2nd year MNurse Adult and Mental Health (Dual registration integrated masters) nursing student at University of Bradford. 

Her journey into nursing started 22 years ago when she started her first job in a care home in North Carolina USA at 17 years old. She became extremely passionate about care giving and went on to work in many different areas including Hospice, Acute care, critical care, post surgical care, and community care in the US. She recently returned to the UK to work in the NHS and has worked in general practice and theatres in a local NHS Trust. 

As a young mother and single parent it was always her dream to return to full-time education and after completing an access course in 2021 she commenced studying towards being a registered nurse in September 2022 showing that you're never too old to follow your dreams. 

Elisha is passionate about diversity and inclusion within healthcare for service users and providers.

Since becoming a student through advocating for others within her cohort and recently being able to mentor a student in 1st year she has also developed a newfound interest in the treatment of student nurses specifically while out on clinical placement and the affects this has not only on their mental health and wellbeing but on the recruitment and retention of future generations of nurses. 

Usman Adeyemo

Member of the Trade Union Committee and ex-officio member of the Students Committee, January 2024 - December 2025

Usman is a third-year Mental Health Nursing student at Teesside University in Middlesbrough, North East England. He is an RCN Student Ambassador for Teesside University. Usman is a proud alumnus of the famous Baptist Boys’ High School (BBHS), Abeokuta, Nigeria, where his leadership and advocacy potentials were discovered. He has a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Microbiology from the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Nigeria. 
 
Usman is passionate about fostering diversity, inclusivity and breaking down barriers that hinder equal access to healthcare and opportunities within the healthcare profession. Growing up in a multi-cultural environment, he has had varied experience in advocating for people’s rights and interests. With a passion for speaking up for the rights of less-privileged in his community in Nigeria, Usman has played a pivotal role in negotiating good living conditions, provision of basic amenities and promoting educational initiatives within the community. His commitment to fostering a supportive environment for all, has made him an invaluable asset to his immediate community in Nigeria. 
 
As a member of RCN Trade Union Committee and ex-officio member of the RCN UK Students Committee, Usman is committed to always advocate for fair pay for nursing, owing to his vast knowledge of the economy and his first-hand experience on impacts of inflation on the living conditions of the RCN members. 
 
His experience in student leadership positions, including his previous role as the alumni president of his Alma mater, the Baptist Boys’ High School, Abeokuta Old Boys’ Association, MAPOLY chapter Nigeria, has afforded him the opportunity to develop his organisational and advocacy skills. Usman has successfully represented students’ interests and worked with faculties and administrations to improve students’ welfare and education experience.