Please briefly describe your clinical/medical experience to date?
My first ever working experience in nursing was as an HCA on a busy medical ward with adult patients. I then studied paediatric nursing and subsequently obtained my first job as paediatric nurse on neurosurgical ward in King’s College Hospital. I am currently band 6 junior sister on the same ward I started more than 10 years ago!
What motivated you to enter paediatric care in the first place?
Growing up I never thought about being a nurse but after my daughter was very sick as a baby I slowly drifted towards this career. We both received absolutely outstanding care and support and I wanted to find a job where I could “give something back”. I started working as an HCA and although it was extremely challenging job I was thriving in this environment and realised I could indeed become a nurse myself. If I was going to be one though it had to be paediatric nursing! I absolutely love working with children and many times amazed by the way they deal with their illness. I feel privileged to be able to support my little (and not so little) patients and their families.
How will the funding from The Evie Dove Foundation help you to advance your career and your impact/services to children?
In the future I hope to specialise further in neurosurgical nursing. This funding will enable me to attend neurosurgical conference where loads of specialists from the field gather. Not only will I learn a lot about developments in neurosurgery and neurosurgical nursing but I will also be able to network and find out more about the role of neurosurgical CNS. The knowledge I acquire will enable me to answer some of the questions family members might ask with more confidence and provide them with better all-round support.
How did you find out about The Evie Dove Foundation?
Evie Dove was a patient of ours. She was kind, polite, absolutely delightful girl that is impossible to forget by anyone who ever met her. The Evie Dove Foundation set up by her family in her name is very well known on our ward. Thank you for all you are doing!
Tell us about yourself!
I live in Kent with my husband and two children. Outside of work they keep me busy enough! When free I like reading books, watching telly (love good BBC series) and meeting friends. I also love travelling and hope to do more of that now my kids are growing up!
