Tami’s story
“My patients are the reason I stay motivated through both the good and challenging days.”
I always wanted to work with people and help the community. I enjoyed biology at school and have always been kind and caring. I chose to be a nurse when I left school because it would allow me to care for people’s health and build therapeutic relationships with people when they are at the most vulnerable time in their lives.
I am a Staff Nurse within the gynaecology ward at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. Myself and my colleagues care for woman in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area. My role includes caring for woman who are post-operative, acutely unwell, at the end of their life and going through their cancer diagnosis and journey.
A good day at work is when I can truly make a difference in my patients’ lives. It’s when I see them feeling better, more comfortable, and supported. I especially value the moments when I have extra time to go beyond clinical care – taking a walk with a patient around the ward, helping them dry their hair, or simply sitting down for a chat with their family. These small acts of kindness often mean the most. A good day is also when our team works together, achieving our goals and creating an environment where patients feel safe and cared for. Those days remind me why the things I do at work matter.
My patients are the reason I stay motivated through both the good and challenging days. Their resilience and courage remind me why I chose to be a nurse. The good days – when progress is made, comfort is given, and smiles return – always outweigh the difficult ones. Knowing that I can make a difference in their journey gives me purpose and strength.
If you’re considering nursing as a profession, my advice is to go into it with an open heart and a strong sense of resilience. Nursing is incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with challenges. You’ll need compassion, adaptability, and a willingness to keep learning every day. The moments when you make a real difference in someone’s life – whether by offering comfort, care, or hope – will outweigh the difficult days and remind you why you chose this path.
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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