Celebrating the Year of the Nurse and Midwife

To celebrate the Year of the Nurse and Midwife we’ve spoken to members of the Derby Private Health team to find out more about what inspired them to be a nurse. You can read their stories below.

Lyn, Registered Nurse

How long have you been with Derby Private Health?

I spent 13 years on the Step Down Unit (University Hospitals of Derby and Burton) and a few months in Orthopaedics before joining Derby Private Health 2.5 years ago.

I’m retiring in July to spend more time with family and take time for me! I will miss the team here though – we work really well together and I’ll miss the banter!

On a typical day

I focus on patient care and spending time getting to know them. It’s nice to build a rapport – particularly as we have returning patients; it’s nice to find out more about them.

We’re lucky to have a good amount of time to spend with patients here on the Private Patient Suite. The environment helps – it’s really relaxed and patients all have individual rooms

One way I’ve made a difference as a nurse

For me it’s about being compassionate, showing empathy and being approachable. I also like to try and make people laugh – for me it’s important and so many patients say how much it makes a difference to their stay with us. I had one patient who was adamant I couldn’t make her smile during her stay – I persevered and before she left I got a smile and it makes it all worthwhile.

Tell us your most memorable moment

I looked after a patient who really wasn’t looking forward to the procedure they were in for. I spent some time chatting with him and he mentioned how dry his skin was so I promised him after his procedure I would help. I gave him a massage and he was able to just relax and enjoy it without the worry of his procedure – it made him feel better and came to thank me when he went home. It’s the little things.

What inspired you to go into nursing/midwifery?

I was a mature student – I’d always worked in care in a variety of roles and having worked alongside many different nurses felt it was something I could do well and wanted to go for.

I never thought I’d be a nurse – I didn’t think I was clever enough but my experience shows that if you really want to do something you can surprise yourself!

What would you say to someone considering a career in nursing & midwifery?

If you care, it’s the right job to go into. You can’t teach compassion and you have to compassionate to be a good nurse.

Making a difference to someone’s life is rewarding and taking the time to make somebody smile. Some people just want to be listened to so it’s just being there and showing you care.

In some ways you have to be an actress – if you’re having a bad day personally, you can’t let it show. We’re here to care and put our patients needs first.