Careers
Never a dull moment This month we feature a children’s nurse who returned to practice after a six-year break and who has enjoyed a varied career in nursing and outside the profession. Sarah Priday originally trained at Great Ormond Street Hospital and is now back on the wards at the private Portland Hospital for Women and Children in London Why did you become a children’s nurse? I loved children and my mother suggested that I rang Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) the day I heard I had not been accepted to train as a physiotherapist. Six months later I started the integrated registered general nurse/registered sick children’s nurse course having very little idea what I was about to undertake. What might you have done otherwise? I would have done what I do part-time now, which is marketing and public relations. Where did you train? My integrated course at GOSH meant that I spent 18 months there and 18 months seconded to an adult hospital which, in my case, was the London Hospital. I then spent eight months back at GOSH before taking a combined exam to gain the two qualifications. What is your current role? Staff nurse at the Portland Hospital, where I nurse children and young people on a nine-bed ward. Where have you worked previously? I initially consolidated my training by staffing at GOSH for six months, after which we were advised to seek pastures new. As one of three registered sick children’s nurses on a paediatric ward at the Middlesex Hospital in London I lasted just a year. It was a huge change from working in an all paediatric hospital. That fact – and the many teenagers with osteosarcoma to whom I gave my all – contributed to burnout. 38 November 2013 | Volume 25 | Number 9
Agency nursing followed along with travel, study in arts administration and work in the arts. Love took me to New Zealand where I worked as a neonatal nurse in Christchurch and Wellington. I returned briefly to the UK to gain my ENB 405 (special and intensive care of the newborn). After ten happy years in Christchurch I found the Wellington neonatal unit a challenge so I looked around to see what else I could do. Over the years I had become an expert in family-centred, developmentally supportive care so I flew around New Zealand speaking at conferences and in hospitals, and writing articles. Finally, I decided to leave the hospital environment completely and trained to be a Plunket nurse – a New Zealand health visitor – with my own practice in Wellington. On returning to the UK nearly eight years ago I involved myself with developing a height-adjustable bedside crib that can increase the longevity of breastfeeding and parental bonding as it allows for co-sleeping but not bed-sharing. Then after a six-year break from nursing, I undertook a return to nursing course in 2011 and resumed paediatric nursing in 2012. What do you enjoy most about your job? The absolute joy and satisfaction that my positive attitude can make the ward a happy place to be for patients, parents and co-workers. What is the greatest challenge? Maintaining clear channels of communication between all parties.
What would you change if you could? I should like all staff to remember that what is commonplace to them is never commonplace to the parent and child. Tread gently, reduce barriers and find solutions. Where would you like to be in five years? I am extremely happy at the Portland. What qualities do you think a good children’s nurse should possess? I hope I have never lost the ability to put myself in the shoes of the child and the parent. We need boundless energy and kindness while on duty. We must always remember we are professionals and it is the child first and always. What inspires you? Positive feedback helps me to keep going. Outside work what do you enjoy doing? I adore the visual and performing arts. I love to run each day and see my friends. What achievements are you proudest of? There have been particular shifts over the years that stick in my mind where I know I made a difference. Also getting a positive response from clients and colleagues whether at a conference or on a one-to-one basis. I am also extremely proud of being involved with the bedside crib. What advice would give a newly qualified children’s nurse? Be kind, smile, and remember to say please and thank you. In short, remember your bedside manner. NURSING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Nursing Children and Young People 2013.25:38-38. Downloaded from journals.rcni.com by FLINDERS UNIVERSITY on 12/08/15. For personal use only.
Never a dull moment This month we feature a children’s nurse who returned to practice after a six-year break and who has enjoyed a varied career in nursing and outside the profession. Sarah Priday originally trained at Great Ormond Street Hospital and is now back on the wards at the private Portland Hospital for Women and Children in London Why did you become a children’s nurse? I loved children and my mother suggested that I rang Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) the day I heard I had not been accepted to train as a physiotherapist. Six months later I started the integrated registered general nurse/registered sick children’s nurse course having very little idea what I was about to undertake. What might you have done otherwise? I would have done what I do part-time now, which is marketing and public relations. Where did you train? My integrated course at GOSH meant that I spent 18 months there and 18 months seconded to an adult hospital which, in my case, was the London Hospital. I then spent eight months back at GOSH before taking a combined exam to gain the two qualifications. What is your current role? Staff nurse at the Portland Hospital, where I nurse children and young people on a nine-bed ward. Where have you worked previously? I initially consolidated my training by staffing at GOSH for six months, after which we were advised to seek pastures new. As one of three registered sick children’s nurses on a paediatric ward at the Middlesex Hospital in London I lasted just a year. It was a huge change from working in an all paediatric hospital. That fact – and the many teenagers with osteosarcoma to whom I gave my all – contributed to burnout. 38 November 2013 | Volume 25 | Number 9
Agency nursing followed along with travel, study in arts administration and work in the arts. Love took me to New Zealand where I worked as a neonatal nurse in Christchurch and Wellington. I returned briefly to the UK to gain my ENB 405 (special and intensive care of the newborn). After ten happy years in Christchurch I found the Wellington neonatal unit a challenge so I looked around to see what else I could do. Over the years I had become an expert in family-centred, developmentally supportive care so I flew around New Zealand speaking at conferences and in hospitals, and writing articles. Finally, I decided to leave the hospital environment completely and trained to be a Plunket nurse – a New Zealand health visitor – with my own practice in Wellington. On returning to the UK nearly eight years ago I involved myself with developing a height-adjustable bedside crib that can increase the longevity of breastfeeding and parental bonding as it allows for co-sleeping but not bed-sharing. Then after a six-year break from nursing, I undertook a return to nursing course in 2011 and resumed paediatric nursing in 2012. What do you enjoy most about your job? The absolute joy and satisfaction that my positive attitude can make the ward a happy place to be for patients, parents and co-workers. What is the greatest challenge? Maintaining clear channels of communication between all parties.
What would you change if you could? I should like all staff to remember that what is commonplace to them is never commonplace to the parent and child. Tread gently, reduce barriers and find solutions. Where would you like to be in five years? I am extremely happy at the Portland. What qualities do you think a good children’s nurse should possess? I hope I have never lost the ability to put myself in the shoes of the child and the parent. We need boundless energy and kindness while on duty. We must always remember we are professionals and it is the child first and always. What inspires you? Positive feedback helps me to keep going. Outside work what do you enjoy doing? I adore the visual and performing arts. I love to run each day and see my friends. What achievements are you proudest of? There have been particular shifts over the years that stick in my mind where I know I made a difference. Also getting a positive response from clients and colleagues whether at a conference or on a one-to-one basis. I am also extremely proud of being involved with the bedside crib. What advice would give a newly qualified children’s nurse? Be kind, smile, and remember to say please and thank you. In short, remember your bedside manner. NURSING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Nursing Children and Young People 2013.25:38-38. Downloaded from journals.rcni.com by FLINDERS UNIVERSITY on 12/08/15. For personal use only.
