Name: Eleni
Job title: Clinical Nurse Specialist within Continence Promotion Team (CPT).
How long have you been a nurse?
I have been a registered nurse for nine years.
What attracted you to become a nurse?
I have always liked studying about different conditions and how to treat them, but most importantly I enjoy helping other people through different channels; from volunteering, to the local health centre, to taking care of my grandmother who suffered with a complex neurological condition, I was always aspired to become a nurse. Colleagues and friends say that I have a caring nature and I always stand up for others; therefore, being a nurse is the best way to practise these qualities and be my patients’ advocate.
How long have you been with the Trust?
I have been working here for the past eight years.
What do you love most about your job?
I love caring for patients and collaborating with all colleagues across the Trust. My role does vary from day to day; from direct patient care and specialist interventions, to creating pathways with different teams for best possible outcomes for patients.
Helping others fulfil their potential is a passion of mine and I can do this at present by teaching colleagues, but also patients, carers, and families to practise skills that might make a difference to their everyday lives. Implementing Quality Improvement projects to introduce changes beneficial for patients is another aspect of my job that I enjoy a lot. In addition, reflecting as a professional gives me the opportunity to grow and develop personally and professionally and also gives me the opportunity to be a role model and celebrate success when possible.
If people are considering a career in nursing, what advice would you give them?
If you put your heart into it, you will succeed. Despite the challenges you might come across, nursing is such a rewarding profession, and it allows you to develop in different areas of your life. Ensure you expose yourself to different specialities to gain different transferable skills and find the area you are most passionate about. Ensure you implement changes, no matter how small they are as this is the way forward for improvements that can benefit patients and healthcare overall.