Olivia W.
About me
| Olivia W. | |
| Health Sciences | |
| Nursing | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Constantine | |
| 2019 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Critical Care Staff Nurse | |
| South Tees Foundation Trust | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Healthcare | |
| Large business (250+ employees) | |
| 2019 |
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A day in the life of a Critical Care Staff Nurse in the United Kingdom
As a commuting student I found it challenging to engage in sports and societies within the university, although if I were to have the opportunity again I would definitely get more involved.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
National Health Service - South Tees Hospitals
What do you do?
I work as a staff nurse across several intensive care and high dependancy units within James Cook Hospital. My role as a Critical Care nurse is to observe and manage unstable and deteriorating patients, with assistance from the multidisciplinary team. As an intensive care nurse we care for patients at a one nurse per patient ratio, this is deemed most suitable when caring for patients who are receiving treatment for multiple failing organs- this may be to control respiratory, cardiac or renal function in order to stabilise and improve patient outcomes. Although I work primarily across intensive care, I am able to care for high dependancy patients at a one nurse to two patient ratio.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
As part of my Masters at York, I completed a professional internship within Harrogate Intensive care for eighteen-months, and therefore I felt it most suitable to work within this environment upon qualifying.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
No, I took a job that I had already experienced on placement.
Describe your most memorable day at work
Almost every day of working in the COVID intensive care unit!
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
As a commuting student I found it challenging to engage in sports and societies within the university, although if I were to have the opportunity again I would definitely get more involved. Primarily I was involved with extra curricular activities within the health sciences department, something I thoroughly enjoyed and would continue to be involved with!
What would you like to do next with your career?
Ultimately I would love to pursue a role within research and education at the university, this is something I have aimed for throughout my studies and is what encouraged me to complete a Masters to better prepare me for future job prospects.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Attend job fairs, seek advice from your lecturers!
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
Anything!
Next steps...
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