In this section
Frailty Nurse Specialist and Register Nurse Learning Disabilities, Wythenshawe Hospital
On a typical day
I work primarily in the Emergency Department (ED) assessing patients who are older and frail who have attended hospital due to falls, delirium or reduced mobility, to name a few. The OPAL team tend to see about 10-15 patients each day. I work in conjunction with therapists, doctors and the consultant. We aim where possible to discharge people home directly from ED with increase supports.
My nursing journey and career
I started my nurse training as a mature student at 26, after deciding to take redundancy in my old job. I trained as an Intellectual Disability Nurse and completed a four-year degree in University College Cork (Ireland) and then relocated to Manchester. My first job as a staff nurse was on ward F4 for over two years which was fantastic, challenging and rewarding. Since then, I’ve remained in elderly medicine and now work as a Specialist Nurse in Frailty primarily based in ED.
One way I’ve made a difference as a nurse or midwife
I’m very keen to support people with learning disabilities in hospital & I’m always happy to attend wards to support staff and patients with learning disabilities, through training or advice.
What would you say to someone considering a career in nursing & midwifery?
It’s challenging but highly rewarding in its own way, every day is different and you are always learning. I couldn’t think of doing anything else. Go for it!
For more information about nursing and midwifery careers at MFT please visit https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/