A year in the life of an NHS nurse
Over the last year we have heard a lot about the NHS and their amazing work caring for patients throughout the pandemic. But what is it actually like to be working as a medical professional on the frontline? Tristan Gaston spoke to his mum - a frontline nurse - to find out.
As we begin the new year, we can look back on how our lives have changed and what new and different experiences we have had. I interviewed a nurse who worked throughout lockdown to discover how her role has changed during the pandemic and what challenges she has had to face: the highs, the lows and what she is most looking forward to in 2022.
What was it like to work during the first few lockdowns?
It had positive and negative points to it. It was really good to get out and about and look after patients, without getting cabin fever. It was lovely because there was no traffic on the road, and I could get to my destinations really quickly. However, it was pretty tough at times as it was really busy and I did not have a break. I was worried about catching Covid, but the saddest part was having to look after patients that had cancer and were at the end of their life.
How has your job changed during the pandemic?
Having to wear PPE. As a nurse, I didn’t have to wear full PPE before Covid, now it’s all the time! Even though I know it protects me and the patients, I am still not that keen on wearing it, it makes you hot and bothered; also patients can’t hear what you are saying if they are a bit hard of hearing. Plus I think of all that plastic that is not good for the environment. All in all, everyone was totally relaxed before Covid - now my weeks revolve around lateral flow tests and taking my temperature!
Has Covid affected you? In what way?
Yes it has, but I now feel like all the things we do like wearing PPE and doing lateral flow tests are just everyday routine. I just get frustrated with having to do it sometimes. As a nurse I am passionate about the public being fully vaccinated. I have seen the effects that Covid has on your health and mortality, and often there are avoidable tragedies. Although I do realise that there is freedom of choice, I think being fully informed about any vaccination is key. Covid has affected so many people in so many ways, I think it’s important to talk about it, as this will hopefully help your mental health.
Have you had any new experiences that you would never have expected?
Yes, I was re-deployed and had the opportunity to work with adults who have a cancer diagnosis. It was very humbling, and I will carry these touching memories with me forever. I also had the chance to work with a lovely bunch of nurses!
Do you have any plans for 2022? What are you looking forward to?
Yes, I do. I will be starting a new job. As a children’s nurse, I will be teaching and training carers and nurses on how to look after children with complex needs. I really would like a new challenge and I love mentoring people and making them believe in themselves. Hopefully lots of fun with my family and friends will be part of the plan too.
Tristan Gaston, Year 9
As we begin the new year, we can look back on how our lives have changed and what new and different experiences we have had. I interviewed a nurse who worked throughout lockdown to discover how her role has changed during the pandemic and what challenges she has had to face: the highs, the lows and what she is most looking forward to in 2022.
What was it like to work during the first few lockdowns?
It had positive and negative points to it. It was really good to get out and about and look after patients, without getting cabin fever. It was lovely because there was no traffic on the road, and I could get to my destinations really quickly. However, it was pretty tough at times as it was really busy and I did not have a break. I was worried about catching Covid, but the saddest part was having to look after patients that had cancer and were at the end of their life.
How has your job changed during the pandemic?
Having to wear PPE. As a nurse, I didn’t have to wear full PPE before Covid, now it’s all the time! Even though I know it protects me and the patients, I am still not that keen on wearing it, it makes you hot and bothered; also patients can’t hear what you are saying if they are a bit hard of hearing. Plus I think of all that plastic that is not good for the environment. All in all, everyone was totally relaxed before Covid - now my weeks revolve around lateral flow tests and taking my temperature!
Has Covid affected you? In what way?
Yes it has, but I now feel like all the things we do like wearing PPE and doing lateral flow tests are just everyday routine. I just get frustrated with having to do it sometimes. As a nurse I am passionate about the public being fully vaccinated. I have seen the effects that Covid has on your health and mortality, and often there are avoidable tragedies. Although I do realise that there is freedom of choice, I think being fully informed about any vaccination is key. Covid has affected so many people in so many ways, I think it’s important to talk about it, as this will hopefully help your mental health.
Have you had any new experiences that you would never have expected?
Yes, I was re-deployed and had the opportunity to work with adults who have a cancer diagnosis. It was very humbling, and I will carry these touching memories with me forever. I also had the chance to work with a lovely bunch of nurses!
Do you have any plans for 2022? What are you looking forward to?
Yes, I do. I will be starting a new job. As a children’s nurse, I will be teaching and training carers and nurses on how to look after children with complex needs. I really would like a new challenge and I love mentoring people and making them believe in themselves. Hopefully lots of fun with my family and friends will be part of the plan too.
Tristan Gaston, Year 9