To celebrate international nurses day we spoke to Mini, ward manager of G3 at CUH, to hear their story at CUH.
What’s your role in our organisation?
I am currently working as the ward manager of G3. The ward is a 27 bedded acute medical ward which caters mainly for diabetic and renal patients.
In my capacity, my role as a senior sister can be quite challenging at times. It is a very busy ward with high turn over of patients with different specialities. I also have the responsibility to develop and manage my team.
The best thing about working here is the trust cares and look after you and you can approach people when you are in need. There are lots of opportunities to get to know the diverse culture of people, and support available for overseas nurses.
Tell us a bit about your CUH journey – your background, when did you join, what positions have you held here?
I qualified as nurse with a bachelor degree in 2000 from India. I began working in a cancer hospital for three years, during which time I have gained valuable knowledge on modern treatment and practices. This inspired me to pursue my nursing career in the UK
I started my first work placement as an adaptation nurse on ward D9, an acute oncology ward in October 2004, as a band 4 nurse awaiting PIN. I received my NMC registration in June 2005 and became a band 5 nurse and continued to work as a registered nurse. After becoming an NMC registered nurse I continued to grow and acquired competency in all aspects in oncology nursing.
While I was on D9 I looked after patients on oncology/haematology clinical trials and they states they have some restrictions with medications and food and not allowed to have any medications prescribed without checking the protocol. Knowing all those specific details inspired me to learn more about trial/research thus I started my role as a junior research sister on CIW(Clinical investigation ward). I worked on the early phase unit in CCRC as per the requirements of the unit.
I am a practice supervisor and an assessor which helps to support students, newly qualified nurses rotation nurses and junior staff. I am always willing to share my ideas to improve the practice. I got the opportunity to develop my management skill by doing appraisals and supporting them. This was an inspiration to apply for my current job as a senior sister.
What’s the best thing about working at CUH?
Everyday is a learning day either you come across with a new person or you learn new policies and it is fascinating the support you receive to adapt with all these changes.
The best thing about working here is the trust cares and look after you and you can approach people when you are in need. There are lots of opportunities to get to know the diverse culture of people, and support available for overseas nurses.
What are you most proud of?
I am very proud that I am part of this trust especially because of the trust priorities and the values it highlights. The trust gives me an excellent educational environment for my personal and professional development.