Profile

I am 51yrs old and have been a Nurse since  I was 18yrs old. I have worked in several hospitals before moving to work in the Community at a GP practice 11yrs ago.

I live and work full time in Derbyshire. Life is full on, but when I do get some spare time I love cooking, gardening as well as playing racquetball and doing yoga. I enjoy travelling and sightseeing with my family and am hoping to go skiing next year.

I work with a small team of doctors (GPs) and other Practice Nurses and Healthcare Assistants. My role is very varied covering all ages form babies to very elderly. I work Monday to Friday, with occasional study sessions outside these hours.

Much of my role is involved in health promotion and helping people to stay fit and well and manage their own health.

As an Advanced Nurse Practitioner I can write prescriptions for patient medications and refer people to hospital for further care. I get to know my patients really well as they come back over the years, which is really rewarding.

In one day I can see people with asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, those needing contraception, travel vaccinations, baby immunisations, wound dressings or infections – to name just a few – there is never a routine day.

Some days are quite predictable but on others I may have to deal with an emergency or something unexpected. Whilst I work independently I am part of a very supportive team and there is always someone to ask for help if needed.