Tell us about your job working in care? What’s your typical day/week?
There's no typical day in the life at Little Harbour as each day is different and the variety is what keeps me feeling so passionate.
I’ve been a Paediatric Nurse for 24 years, and a Team Leader at Little Harbour for 10 years. It’s my role to ensure the smooth running of the shifts and to make sure both staff and families feel appropriately supported. Another aspect of my role is to ensure that the clinical needs of the babies, children and young people we support are met in a safe and welcoming environment.
What do you enjoy most about working at CHSW and/or in care/nursing?
The world of nursing in a children’s hospice is so unique, it’s difficult to describe in words which component I cherish the most.
I especially love meeting our families and building positive relationships, and feel that it’s a tremendous privilege to be caring for our babies, children, young people and their families throughout their journey.
I personally find the holistic approach to caring for our babies, children and young people while supporting the whole family is hugely rewarding. This is determined through clinical care which is exceptional in its delivery, together with an emphasis on acknowledging their emotional and spiritual wellbeing. I love being part of a wonderful team who really cares about our families, and seeing them enjoy their restorative breaks.
What motivated you to apply for your role?
My love for working within palliative care began in the early stages of my career while working at Bristol Children’s Hospital. However, it was many years of progression to gather extensive clinical experience within the NHS before I decided that palliative care was the career path I knew I wanted to work in, and develop myself as a Paediatric Nurse.
How did you become a Nurse? What job were you doing before?
I always wanted to be a Nurse for as long as I can remember, so I started training at university when I was 18 years old. Seems like a lifetime ago now, and a lot has changed in the profession over the years, however, my love for children and their families and being able to support them through their struggles, keeps me motivated.
What would you say are the skills you need to do your job? Have you learnt any new skills since being in post?
In order to fulfil this role you have to be kind, compassionate, supportive, and a hardworking team player. I feel that you need to have a sense of humour and to be able to find the joy in every day, this I find enables the team to feel valued and supported. You need to have experience with babies, children and young people and to have the communication skills to be able to manage these delicate situations effectively. Since beginning my role here as a Team Leader I feel that my skills in communication have developed over the years to ensure that the delivery of information, while holding a family, is managed with sensitivity and care.
If you could do another job within CHSW for the day, what would it be?
Events Fundraiser. This must be so much fun, and so rewarding too.
How does it feel to be a part of the CHSW family?
It is an honour and always has been.
Tell us anything else you love about your role/CHSW...
Our team are fantastic, we are like a family. We care for each other in a way that I haven’t experienced previously. We laugh a lot, we have a lot of fun, we work in the most awe-inspiring environment and most of all we love working with the babies, children, young people and families that we support.
It is so inspiring to observe the resilience and strength that families display throughout their journey and seeing how they adapt following the loss of a child.
One of the best things about being part of CHSW is providing exceptional end of life care, and seeing the way the team provides such amazing care with passion and energy. I have unwavering pride in my role at Little Harbour.
Give us 3 words to describe CHSW?
Incredible, impactful, inspiring.