Hannah’s story
"Nursing provides continuous learning opportunities and it is incredible to be part of something that is always changing."
My role as a specialist surgical nurse is varied with lots of different elements. I am the team lead for our Enhanced Recovery Team who provide motivation, mobilisation and goal setting to all Emergency Abdominal Surgery patients, individuals with Necrotising Pancreatitis and Long-Stay Elective Patients. This is the first of its kind in Scotland and it has been a pleasure to help create and develop this team and see the quality care that each patient receives across the service.
Furthermore, I collect and input real-time data for several national audits for the health board and Government, presenting this at both national and local levels, I monitor and investigate surgical site infections for vascular and colorectal services, and I have a role in governance, quality improvement and education.
I took a break from studying and school to think about what I really wanted to do. After attending an open day for Nursing, I loved the prospect of supporting people throughout their health journey and being the ‘middle person’ between medical and surgical staff, the patients, and their relatives and carers. From personal experience, I know this is extremely important and felt I could make a difference.
A good day at work is getting time with my great colleagues! I have made forever friends, and they have been supportive of both my personal and professional life. We support each other and make sure that our patients receive the very best, quality care regardless of what stage in their journey they are at.
One of my proudest career moments so far has been launching ‘SipTilSend’ with two colleagues from NHS Tayside. It has now been inbuilt into over 300 hospitals worldwide and recognised by the Centre of Peri-operative Care (CPOC). Knowing the change is benefitting so many people daily in amazing.
The constant change within nursing and medicine keeps me motivated. Nursing provides continuous learning opportunities and it is incredible to be part of something that is always changing. When considering nursing, it is also important to consider the longevity and variation of this career. You can work in many different settings and specialities – you will never be bored! I would never have thought I would be in the role I am in now, but I thoroughly enjoy it and can see the constant opportunity for development and patient benefit it brings.
Read all Humans of Scotland stories here.
In connection with Humans of Scotland, the ALLIANCE Person Centred Voices team launched a short film. In it, we hear from some of the incredible nurses and midwives we’ve had the honour of meeting over the years. This film is a celebration of person centred care, professional pride, and the human connections that sit at the heart of nursing and midwifery. You can watch the film here.
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