I started my nurse training in North Wales in the 80’s, the days of perms and big hair, which caused many a problem for me to keep under my starched hat!!
On qualifying the jobs were sparse so I moved to join my brother living in Leicester to work on a general ITU where I spent two and a half happy years gaining valuable experience in an acute setting. I had a change in speciality (something which was to become my passion) and moved to work in CCU. After undertaking the ENB 162 Cardiothoracic Nursing course I worked on a cardiology ward before moving South to Southend on Sea to return once again to CCU. Here, I undertook my EN to RGN conversion course before moving to London to work on a very busy cardiothoracic and vascular surgical ward.
I realised that I missed cardiology, so once again moved to another busy hospital (St Georges) where I was to spend the next 18 years. I was very lucky to experience nursing patients who had undergone heart transplantation as well as gaining management experience when running a busy ward as a senior staff nurse. I branched into Cardiac Rehabilitation, a role which allowed me to develop my skills in health promotion and education with patients and staff alike.
Despite loving my job, my patients and my place of work, I felt I needed a new challenge, so with my wide nursing experience but none in primary care, I ventured into the role of practice nursing in 2010.
I have learnt so much about all the aspects of this role. I love working autonomously, yet being part of a great team and the variety each day brings. I feel my past experiences working in a wide variety of specialities gives me a greater understanding in the needs of my patients. I am the designated lead nurse for childhood immunisations in my NHS surgery, an area which I particularly love.
Outside work I enjoy watching my team (West Ham United) play football (maybe not so much of late!) and walking my dog Trevor.
Qualifications:
EN (Enrolled Nurse)
RGN (Registered Nurse)
ENB 162 Cardiothoracic Nursing
ENB 998- Mentor training