‘For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a nurse’ | Nursing Times

How would you describe your role to someone you’ve just met?

“To support and advise teams in Exemplar Health Care’s homes who support people with Huntington’s disease. I support them to create the best quality of life possible for people with the neurodegenerative condition.”

What does your typical working day look like?

“Mine is a new role for Exemplar Health Care, and so it’s evolving and varied at the moment. I’ve been travelling round our homes meeting team members and people who we support with Huntington’s disease. I consult with team members who want a bit of advice or extra support with specific challenges or circumstances, and review care assessments for people who are referred to our homes. I’m also helping to develop an enhanced Huntington’s disease strategy and reviewing our internal training packages across all our homes.”

What made you want to become a nurse?

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a nurse. I’ve been one for 31 years now, having come straight from school into the profession. I’ve always had a caring nature and enjoyed supporting others. I thought it would give me variety, opportunities to progress, and the chance to work in a team – and it has done all of those things!”

Who has had the biggest impact on your career?

“The nurse manager in my former role as staff nurse and deputy manager in a care home. She really made me fall in love with supporting people with Huntington’s disease and their families, and gave me a big boost of confidence in developing my skills in this area. She supported my development and believed in my abilities as I progressed to registered manager.”

What do you enjoy most about your role?

“I love going out and meeting the amazing nurses and teams who go above and beyond to support people with Huntington’s disease and boost their quality of life. It’s great to meet so many team members who are really passionate about making every day better for people living with Huntington’s disease.”

What’s been the stand-out moment in your career so far?

“In 2016, I was asked to take over as the registered manager in the Huntington’s disease specialist care home I had worked in for nine years. For the team to have the confidence in my abilities and skills to continue managing the home in the same excellent way they had was really a privilege – if a little daunting at first. That really strengthened my expertise and developed my skill set.”

What are your ambitions for the future?

“To be able to share all the knowledge I’ve gained over the years to help support and guide others to give the best quality of life possible to those with Huntington’s disease.”

What advice would you give to someone who wanted a job like yours?

“Don’t be afraid to try a few different things and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. I used to be a surgical nurse and would not have imagined myself working in care homes, but it was completely the right place for me. Embrace it when you find that right place, and embrace all that is on offer to boost your knowledge and experience as much as you can.”