I began my nursing career in Sheffield on a bank holiday Monday in May 1984, my 18th birthday!
My 40 year nursing career has taken me from from General Medicine to Adult Intensive Care, to working on a busy Paediatric ward and completing the registered sick children's nurse qualification in 1992.
After working on a general paediatric ward, I found myself in the community as a School Nurse. This made me reflect on the challenges many of our families have when having a child in hospital. Working in the community enriches your outlook on life.
Whilst working as a school nurse I completed a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Diploma and it was during this course that I became aware of nurses working in Youth Justice. Co-incidentally my local Youth Justice service was inspected and a recommendation was made that there was no one in the service to address the physical health needs of young people entering the youth justice system.
Young people within youth justice are some of the most vulnerable in society. Most have been affected by adverse childhood experiences, trauma, domestic violence, parental mental ill health, and often have family members involved in crime.
I was involved from the beginning and involved in developing a bespoke health service, using my school nursing experience to address the unmet health needs of a young vulnerable population. I developed health assessments and links with other health providers, registering young people with dentists and doctors, and supporting with contraception and sexual health. I've immunised young people in their homes and given first aid to young people under the influence of substances.
Just the tip of the iceberg.
Many young people need 'hand holding' and intensive support to attend health appointments. Having the ability to be non judgmental, flexible and innovative in practice is key to successful engagement.
The service as a whole has evolved over the years and, on reflection, I have evolved with it. The Youth Justice Service is now fully embedded in Child First trauma informed practice. Looking at the needs of the young person and their future, rather than just focusing on the young person and their offending behaviour.
16 and a half later, I am retiring from a job I have thoroughly enjoyed. I've met young people who have inspired me and those who with a little support and belief from a multidisciplinary team have a better future ahead of them.
I am sad to say that as I retire, a shortage of resources means my role is not being replaced.
A sign of the times.
My 40 year nursing career has taken me from from General Medicine to Adult Intensive Care, to working on a busy Paediatric ward and completing the registered sick children's nurse qualification in 1992.
After working on a general paediatric ward, I found myself in the community as a School Nurse. This made me reflect on the challenges many of our families have when having a child in hospital. Working in the community enriches your outlook on life.
Whilst working as a school nurse I completed a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Diploma and it was during this course that I became aware of nurses working in Youth Justice. Co-incidentally my local Youth Justice service was inspected and a recommendation was made that there was no one in the service to address the physical health needs of young people entering the youth justice system.
Young people within youth justice are some of the most vulnerable in society. Most have been affected by adverse childhood experiences, trauma, domestic violence, parental mental ill health, and often have family members involved in crime.
I was involved from the beginning and involved in developing a bespoke health service, using my school nursing experience to address the unmet health needs of a young vulnerable population. I developed health assessments and links with other health providers, registering young people with dentists and doctors, and supporting with contraception and sexual health. I've immunised young people in their homes and given first aid to young people under the influence of substances.
Just the tip of the iceberg.
Many young people need 'hand holding' and intensive support to attend health appointments. Having the ability to be non judgmental, flexible and innovative in practice is key to successful engagement.
The service as a whole has evolved over the years and, on reflection, I have evolved with it. The Youth Justice Service is now fully embedded in Child First trauma informed practice. Looking at the needs of the young person and their future, rather than just focusing on the young person and their offending behaviour.
16 and a half later, I am retiring from a job I have thoroughly enjoyed. I've met young people who have inspired me and those who with a little support and belief from a multidisciplinary team have a better future ahead of them.
I am sad to say that as I retire, a shortage of resources means my role is not being replaced.
A sign of the times.
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