Being a newly registered theatre nurse in the pandemic

I’m a registered nurse working in theatres in the Independent Sector based in Belfast. Even before I became a nursing student I’ve always been interested in the human body and its capabilities. When I undertook my first student placement in a surgical ward I knew that that was the area I was destined to work in. I was forever on YouTube watching different surgeries and enjoyed questioning the surgeons when they were on the ward, however, I knew that i wanted to be closer to the operating theatre.

I chose my elective placement in theatres and haven’t looked back. Where I am based we get the chance to do a lot of different surgeries, which meant I had a lot to learn initially. As a newly registered nurse, 15 months later, I’m still learning. Everyday is a school day.

There’s not a day goes by (so far) that I haven’t not looked forward to going into work. I love the 1-1 patient care I can give, whether it be as an anaesthetic nurse or scrubbed in for a surgery or circulating on the floor.

Just because I am not spending days on a ward with the patient doesn’t mean that I can’t give them the emotional support needed at such a scary, vulnerable and crucial point in their life. We see a lot of patients with cancer coming through that have been waiting months to have their operation in the Trusts, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and waiting lists. So by the time they get to us they are very emotional and I take pride in the fact that i can be there for them.

Going forward I’m hoping to do my anaesthetics course back at university. I’m still as keen to learn as the day I became a student and I don’t think that will ever change. Being part of the Perioperative Forum was a natural step for me as i wanted to be amongst others that share the same passion as me. It’s great to be able to network and learn from others experiences so I can grow within my profession.