Linda shares her NHS memories

Linda talks about her work as a nurse.

 

When did you start?

I started as a student nurse in 1993 and qualified as a RN in 1996.

 

Why did you choose to work in the NHS?

Before starting work in the NHS I had a really stressful admin job that had little prospect for career progression, although the company and people were great. I had a hankering to do something more rewarding and as 'Casualty' was one of my favourite TV programmes at the time, I decided to apply for nurse training.

 

What do you do?

I've worked in several different areas: initially as a staff nurse in a busy hospital, then District Nursing, and then Health Visiting. My favourite location was inner city Bristol as I loved the cultural diversity (but not the traffic). I also really enjoyed the teaching and mentoring aspect of my role and seeing other people develop their skills.

I became disillusioned as a Health Visitor because of the regular re-commissioning of the service, which often took it outside of the NHS, and as a nurse it was important to me that the NHS remained my employer. So I looked for a new role, and now I'm a CHC Nurse Assessor, and its been great focusing once more on the care of older people. But I think the things that I enjoy most is knowing that we make a difference to peoples' lives, and the amazing people working within the organsation.

 

What would you tell someone now who was thinking about a career in the NHS?

Go for it. It's incredibly tough at times, but I'd do it all again.

 

Describe the NHS in one word?

Go for it. It's incredibly tough at times, but I'd do it all again.