Bruce Hopkins

Meet Bruce Hopkins, a former Captain in the Royal Logistics Corp, who has found a new purpose in the NHS. After a decorated career as a Logistics Officer, Bruce left the military and went into a commercial role. He soon realised the emphasis on profit didn’t fit right with him, he felt out of place.  “In the military it’s all about providing a service”. 

Discovering the NHS 

Bruce’s interest in the NHS was piqued after a discussion with a friend. In 2001 he embarked on a nursing diploma in higher education at Brighton University. Since qualifying he has worked mainly in emergency medicine and intensive therapy units before becoming the senior matron for urgent and emergency care in a multi-site trust. 

New Beginnings in the NHS 

Bruce said ‘Nursing in the NHS, is just like being in the military. It’s all about providing a service. I have found a second career, where I fit in’. 

Advice for Armed Forces Community 

Bruce found the qualities of team working, communication, attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure particularly suit working in specialist NHS areas such as the emergency department, intensive care and theatres. 

Environments in the military and NHS are shared. You can find roles that are high intensity and requiring you to respond quickly in an ever-changing landscape. 

‘When I deal with medical emergencies now in the workplace as a matron, I still use and apply learning from my time in the military to help me deal with these situations’. 

Why consider a career in nursing?

“I came into nursing after leaving the Army by chance, as I wanted to complete a degree as a mature student.  I found that the camaraderie, teamwork, resilience, empathy  and humour that are required for a career in nursing, particularly emergency nursing has a lot of similarities to the qualities required in the Army.  I have filled many roles in the NHS including medical nursing, intensive care and advanced practice before moving into senior management.  I strongly believe that without my experience in the Army I would have been unable to progress to the role I am in now.” 

“I would recommend anyone who enjoys working with people to think about a career in nursing and don’t be put off by the stereotypes!”