This International Nurse’s Day, we spoke with two nurses at different stages in their careers, but with the same motivation for pursuing nursing, and the same passion for delivering incredible care to our patients.
Eleanor Hamand is a student nurse in her second year of studying and currently on placement with us, and Laura Jane Brown is our Acute Care Matron with over 17 years of experience in nursing.
What was your motivation to go into nursing?
Eleanor: My sisters and I have always looked after my grandparents, so caring for others has felt quite natural to me. It was only when my granddad was approaching end of life, and I saw how my sister, who is a nurse herself, was with him, that I thought, I’d like to know how I can help others like she can.
Laura Jane: I didn’t think about nursing as a possible career path until I cared for my grandma. She used to say I should be a nurse and I’d roll my eyes. But after she passed away, I thought, actually if I can make others feel as good as I tried to make her feel while she was unwell, that’s something I’d like to pursue.
What do you find most rewarding about nursing?
Eleanor: Making an impact on people and knowing I’ve been able to help them in some way. I was initially apprehensive about an oncology placement, because I’m quite a sensitive person and thought I’d be emotional all the time, especially when working with end-of-life patients. But I’ve actually found it so rewarding, not just helping patients but also their families as they are also going through it. I’d like them to remember me for the care I gave their loved one.
Laura Jane: Supporting people to be their best. I love making patients feel good about themselves when they’re at their most vulnerable, I love helping colleagues to grow and develop, and love being the person who can make a difference and make people feel safe.
What has nursing taught you?
Eleanor: I’ve definitely grown my confidence and have conviction in my own abilities. Especially at CCC, I feel encouraged enough to use my own initiative, but supported enough that I can always ask for help when I need it.
Laura Jane: Everybody has their own story, and everybody is fighting some sort of battle. I’m very lucky and privileged to be at the heart of people’s lives when they’re so vulnerable and it’s so important for me to be their advocate and make sure their voices are heard.
Eleanor, where do you see your future with nursing?
When I first started my placements, I felt lost on which direction to take. But after being here I know I want to work in oncology nursing, possibly palliative care, hopefully at Clatterbridge!
Laura Jane, what advice would you give to our student nurses?
Firstly, don’t ever be worried to ask for help – there are no silly questions. Secondly, never lose your purpose - do everything with compassion, kindness, for the greater good, and for the right reason.
