“I love everything about nursing, it’s the best job in the world!”
Sarah’s mum inspired her to become a nurse but Sarah only realised this later in life.
“My mum was a nurse,” remembers Sarah “but when I was younger I didn’t want to do a job where I wore a uniform and worked in a hospital. So I went to university to study Geography.”
Sarah worked as a Business Analyst for a while but knew her heart really wasn’t in it.
“I realised that nobody was relying on me. If I hadn’t have turned up for work, nobody would have really noticed. I looked at my mum in her nursing role and realised she made such a difference to people’s lives and they relied on her to be there. So I embraced nursing and I’m glad I did, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else now.”
Sarah qualified as a nurse in 1999 and gained experience on respiratory and plastic surgery wards before moving to critical care. She also became a research nurse and has continued this part of her role for the last 15 years.
She is now an Assistant Divisional Nurse for Cancer and Associated Specialties at Nottingham University Hospitals, where as a senior nurse Sarah supports nursing teams day to day.
“I look to support staff to be the best they can,” says Sarah “and lead on practice development, research and education, developing our staff and getting them involved in education and research.”
Sarah is passionate about education and has completed a PhD whilst working.
“Nursing is full of opportunities, there’s a role for everybody,” explains Sarah, “I feel privileged to meet amazing patients and amazing members of staff. If I can make a difference to a person’s life, even for just a few minutes, that makes me really happy. Sometimes it’s the small things we do that people remember forever.”
Sarah was nominated by her team for a Cavell Star Award for going above and beyond for her colleagues. Team mate and Clinical Nurse Specialist Gillian Priday explains,
“Sarah is an amazing nurse, she constantly encourages other nurses across the division to believe in themselves and makes them want to be a better nurse every single day. She is a real force for good, her personality and smile light up any room.
“It has been really tough during COVID but Sarah has continuously supported people, kept staff focused and helped people realise their potential. Nothing is too much trouble for her, every work place needs a Sarah. I am a better nurse because of her, each day she inspires and encourages me.”
Sarah reacted to winning her award,
“It was really lovely and overwhelming! I was touched that someone would take time out to write such kind words about me and recognise what I’ve done. I’m just doing my job as far as I’m concerned and I want people to be the very best nurses they can be. I’m so proud of all of them.
“It’s amazing to be recognised for something so positive and I think there’s not enough of this happening in the NHS. It’s important that the Cavell Star Awards exist to give this recognition and having received one it does make a massive difference to morale.”