A historic moment
In 2020 the images of May Parsons becoming the first person in the world to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine to a patient outside of a clinical trial became a symbol of global hope.
Scientists had raced to create a vaccine that could save lives, protect frontline emergency workers like May and help stop the spread of the infectious coronavirus that had brought the world to a standstill.
It was a time of fear and uncertainty, and May had no clue that the simple act of leading by example and doing a job she has been passionate about for more than three decades was about to change her life.
In the global media spotlight
After administering the first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to Margaret Keenan at University Hospital, Coventry, on 8 December 2020, May was catapulted into the media spotlight.
Her infectious smile, caring nature and clear passion for nursing epitomised the sacrifices the then Matron and her fellow NHS workers made to help us all.
In the years since that December day, millions of people have received a COVID-19 vaccine or booster in the UK alone, and the world has returned to normal.
But May’s life has been far from ordinary. Since that day she has met the late Queen Elizabeth II, developed her leadership skills through a master’s degree at Coventry University and risen to the role of Deputy Director of Quality and Patient Safety at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust. She’s now taking on a new challenge as Director of Operational Quality - South at Maria Mallaband Care Group Ltd, where she’ll lead on quality and clinical practice, drive innovation, and work with colleagues to shape strategies that improve services.
May’s vaccine work became a gateway to growth
She said: “Delivering that vaccination has definitely opened doors for me. Since then, I've had incredible experiences that I've never even imagined possible in my lifetime, such as meeting Queen Elizabeth.
“I know that my role is adding value to people's lives every day and that the consequences of my actions make an impact in the community, in the country and in the world.
"I can look back and tell my teenage self that choosing nursing was the right decision. I followed my heart and now I am exactly where I wanted to be, still as passionate, if not more.”
Inspired by nurses
May, who is originally from the Philippines, is proud to represent international nurses as she says it’s all nurses that deserve the spotlight.
She said: “The vaccination campaign also helped me to find my identity as an immigrant nurse and internationally educated nurse. It empowered me to use my voice.
“Although I wasn’t born here, my passion and compassion remain unwavering. This is now my community and my commitment to serving our people remains the same.
“I am blessed to be able to have this platform and represent nurses, women, immigrants and mothers.
“But for me, all of the nurses I know are inspiring. They come to work every day and make a commitment to serve.
“It was really important that people recognised the role of nurses, health and social care workers during the pandemic.
"I hope that in the future, the support and love we receive does not diminish. I hope people remember the sacrifices we made and the risks we took to fulfil the jobs we love."
Lead with heart and curiosity
May started her nursing journey in her teens and says passion is the key to working in healthcare.
She said: “My advice to anyone considering a career in the NHS and social care is to be passionate about what you do and to maintain a sense of curiosity.
“Science, people and culture are constantly evolving, so it’s crucial to stay up to date. Always be professionally curious, whether it's through continuing education or embracing new technology. This is vital for the modern health and social care worker.
“Grow your emotional intelligence, be authentic, your personal integrity is always important as are your values - never veer from your values.”
May’s new role was Made in Coventry
May and her mum at Graduation
May credits her MSc Global Healthcare Management from Coventry University, completed in 2022, for helping her achieve a leadership role in the care sector.
She said: “When I used to be a matron, my influence was limited to my services. In this new leadership role, I have the opportunity to make a difference on a national level.
“I see my master's as a building block, and I think education is integral to progress professionally and personally. Education is a powerful tool to propel yourself into desired spaces and seize available opportunities.
“If I didn't have the theory and information from my master’s portfolio in my toolkit, it would have been harder for me to develop a strategy, incorporate change management elements and apply leadership management aspects to qualify for this role.
“It gave me the tools to progress and for me, knowledge is power.”
Discover how to start or further your career in health at Coventry University’s School of Health and Care.
