In this section
Practice Based Educator, Wythenshawe Hospital
On a typical day
Every day is very different! I start at 7.30am and will do any administrative tasks and then visit the wards to support staff in their areas and carry out any sign-off assessments that are needed, for example supporting new staff carrying out drug rounds. I also liaise with ward managers about ward-based training. During induction weeks, I am involved in delivering three-day clinical skills sessions or planning new educational initiatives such as simulation sessions for newly qualified colleagues. I also help international nurses prepare for their clinical exams.
My nursing journey and career
I started my nurse training after doing a chemistry degree, volunteering on the rehabilitation ward at Manchester Royal Infirmary as a student. Following in my mum’s nursing footsteps, I trained at Wythenshawe in 1992, qualifying in 1995. My first post on the Renal Unit at Withington Hospital was a great introduction to nursing. I learnt about the various forms of dialysis, looked after patients who were initially very sick but it was very rewarding to see how they improved with dialysis and sometimes renal transplants.
My later roles included working with the Younger Disabled Unit at Withington Hospital, then in neurorehabilitation, the Discharge Team, stroke rehabilitation and as a Practice Trainer for the Trainee Assistant Practitioners, across various hospitals. I wanted to focus on supporting staff to develop, so became Overseas Nurses Programme Manager and then joined the Practice Education Team. This gave me the opportunity to help train health workers in Northern Uganda.
One way I’ve made a difference as a nurse or midwife
I love teaching students and staff and hope that sharing my experiences and knowledge enables them to become compassionate and caring practitioners and this is demonstrated in their care of patients and families/carers.
What would you say to someone considering a career in nursing & midwifery?
If you are interested in nursing, come and meet staff at recruitment events held in a variety of settings, become a volunteer within your local hospital or community and talk to staff working within the caring professions.
For more information about nursing and midwifery careers at MFT please visit https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/