In this section
Consultant Nurse, Trafford General Hospital
On a typical day
I arrive at 7.00am and spend the first two hours at my computer…there’s always something to do. On a clinical day I will then go to the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) and attend board round at 9.00, when patients are allocated amongst the team. My focus is older people identified as frail who need a comprehensive geriatric assessment. I’ll see 4-8 patients depending on workload and usually have a trainee Advanced Care Practitioner or junior doctor with me. We have a second Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) board round at 12.00 and in the afternoon I may go back to AMU to meet families/carers and plan discharges.
My nursing journey and career
I loved my training although it was incredibly hard work, and my first nursing role was in kidney care at Manchester Royal Infirmary before I got my dream job of community dialysis sister. I completed my nursing degree, embarked on a master’s degree in clinical nursing and took on an Advanced Nurse Practitioner role within the renal service. I was one of the first ANPs employed within the Trust, and had many challenges to overcome as I stepped into the medical domain. I worked as an ANP for 16 years, during which time my role evolved in many ways.
With encouragement I decided to undertake a PhD whilst working as an ANP. The Trust recognised the potential of clinical academic positions within nursing and I was offered a Consultant Nurse role, working at Trafford in older people’s care and frailty. The job allows me to continue with my research which I now combine with my experience from the years I spent in kidney care.
One way I’ve made a difference as a nurse or midwife
One challenge was to improve management and screening for older people living with frailty. This required leadership skills, building relationships, education and clinical experience. I was new to the hospital and team but over time have increased AMU staff knowledge, improved MDT involvement and embedded frailty screening.
What would you say to someone considering a career in nursing & midwifery?
The most job satisfaction is on the days when you’ve been with a patient/family or carer and know you’ve done a good job and left them feeling secure and happy with their care. If that’s something that really appeals to you then nursing is certainly the right career.
For more information about nursing and midwifery careers at MFT please visit https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/