Meet our staff - Jo's story

I was in hospital visiting my Mum who was sick at the time, and there was a lady in the bed opposite who was on end-of-life care. I spent a lot of time with her while visiting my Mum and realised that this was what I wanted to do as a career. 

I went straight to nursing school from completing my A levels. I undertook the project 2000 nurse training which was an 18-month generic training and then a further 18-month branch specific training period (child, adult, mental health or learning disabilities). The 18 months involved working very little in the care sector but more in community settings in places such as nurseries, shopping centres and even cinemas! I think this is where I realised that I preferred the community setting as a career pathway.

Qualifying as a health visitor in 2013 was the most rewarding achievement as it is the hardest thing I have ever done. It’s a degree pathway and learning a new role within a year. My children were 6 and 8 during this time, and my husband had had a nasty fall from his mountain bike and broke his leg so there was a lot to juggle. I also won an award for the student of the year from my cohort. The learning curve was the steepest I have ever been through (and I had previously studied at master’s level), but the skills and knowledge I gained on the way were incredible. 

I enjoy managing my team and contributing to developments to the service. I sometimes miss the acute care (I have a background of respiratory hospital and community nursing), and there is nothing more rewarding than making someone comfortable. Being part of a team is integral to all aspects of nursing and dealing with people will always be my favourite part of nursing whether it be clinical or managerial. 

Work hard, play hard while studying, it’s a great profession so stick with it!