'Nursing fundamentals never change but technology races forward'

Why did you decide to become a nurse?
It was important to me to have a role that involved working with people in a practical and meaningful way. Nursing fitted this aspiration perfectly and I have never regretted my decision to choose it for a career.

Where did you train?
West Glamorgan School of Nursing, Swansea, South Wales.

What was your first job in nursing?
Staff nurse in theatres in Singleton Hospital, Swansea.

Whom have you learnt most from in your nursing career and why?
Eve Sergeson was one of my nurse tutors and was a marvellous and inspirational teacher, who emphasised the importance of compassion in care. She and her colleagues made sure I began my career with the patient firmly fixed at the core of all I did. It illustrates how vital it is to get the initial education of nurses right.

What advice would you give someone starting out in the profession?
Nursing is a challenging role but at the same time extremely rewarding. Keep the maxim “do unto others as you would have done unto you” in your mind when caring for people.

What keeps you awake at night?
I regularly ponder on why some nurses deliver poor care or do not challenge others they see doing less than they should. I ask myself what else needs to be done to ensure care is given consistently to a high standard.

What do you think is likely to change nursing in the next decade?
The fundamentals of nursing care never change; however, the tools we use are developing fast as technology races forward. The biggest change will be in the IT field affecting how we access, utilise and record data. I also think there will continue to be an expansion of the types of roles nurses take on, especially in leading delivery of services.

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

What do you think makes a good nurse?
First and foremost it is someone who likes and is interested in people. Good nurses are effective listeners and communicators; are able to prioritise and multi-task efficiently; and apply a depth and breadth of knowledge to the clinical situation.

If you could change one thing in healthcare, what would it be?
Stamp out complacency that allows bad practice to go unchallenged.

What would your ideal weekend involve?
Staying in a country house hotel, which has good food and where I can walk in stunning scenery or visit historic sites. A big bath to laze in the bubbles is a must.

If you could spend an hour in someone’s company, who would it be and why?
As a fan of crime novels, I would quiz Agatha Christie on how she dreamt up her plots.

Have your say

You must sign in to make a comment.