'I wish the system would allow practice development and risk taking'

Why did you decide to become a nurse?

Although when I was young I didn’t want to be a nurse because of the sight of blood, I was influenced by my mum and maternal aunts, who were all nurses. They were all so proud to be registered nurses.

Where did you train?

Northampton General Hospital in October 1978.

What was your first job in nursing?

Staff nurse, Benham Surgical Ward, Northampton General Hospital.

What is the trait you least like in yourself and why?

My attention to detail could be better.

Whom have you learnt most from in your nursing career and why?

My mum and auntie Peggy. Also some of the patients I have nursed and had the privilege to know. I still remember them and they made me reflect on my practice and learn.

What advice would you give someone starting out in the profession?

Learn and listen from patients. Seek out the experts in your area and watch and learn from them. Develop your emotional intelligence and develop skills in teamworking.

What keeps you awake at night?

The impact of QIPP on patient care.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Working with a great team and good leaders to make services for patients better.

What is your proudest achievement?

My children.

What do you think makes a good nurse?

A good nurse makes patients feel safe and confident in their care. They are technically competent with good emotional intelligence and intuition.

What do you think is likely to change nursing in the next decade?

Government policy. The move towards “any willing provider” will alter nursing because organisations that deliver care will significantly change and be more diverse.

Which job would you have done if you hadn’t become a nurse?

Sports teacher or coach.

What job would you like to be doing in five years?

Senior role in healthcare.

If you could change one thing in healthcare, what would it be?

The regulation system would allow practice development and risk taking rather than numerous inspections, self assessments and paper demands.

What would your ideal weekend involve?

In Donegal, walking on the beaches with my husband and children.

If you could spend an hour in someone’s company, who would it be and why?

Martin Luther King - because of what he stood for. 

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