I get up every morning at 6am and drive to work with my fiancé; we arrive early to ensure we get parking in the staff carpark.  My shift begins at 7.30am. I work in Beech Day Ward so I mostly work Monday-Friday.  When I arrive to work the priority is to check the theatre list for the day.  I then set about making sure beds and cots are ready, and prepare the equipment that will be required.  I have to liaise closely with theatre to efficiently run the lists.  On days when the CNM 2 is off, I also attend ‘heads-up’ meetings with the other managers in the NCH during the day.

The daily routine on our ward consists of a defined theatre list, medical day case procedures, and also children who attend for scans under sedation.  We usually know from the previous week the different cases and the names of the children that have been booked in so as to have the admission packs ready on the day.

We are a close-knit team of a CNM 2 and two staff nurses that work well together.  My colleagues and the children that I meet are what I like most about my job.  Some days inevitably have their challenges; dealing with difficult or upsetting situations, but the feeling of knowing that you have made a difference – no matter how small – to a child and their family is what makes my job so rewarding and worthwhile.

My proudest achievement so far was when I successfully completed my Higher Diploma in Children’s Nursing in September 2018.  My goal is to complete a Masters and become a CNS in Children’s Pain as I find it a really interesting and important aspect of care.  I have always been motivated by wanting to know more and gain more experience.

The treasures I would most like to bring with me are my nursing badges.  They carry a special meaning for me, representing important milestones; completing both my Undergraduate Degree in General Nursing and Higher Diploma in Children’s Nursing.

In order to relax and unwind after a day in work; I like to go for walks, go to the cinema, and I also enjoy reading.