Staff Stories
Keira – Theatre Support Worker
“I am a theatre support worker in orthopaedic theatres. I originally came from my first job in a small hair salon and left there to become a TSW and start my journey in the hospital. I heard about the job from a close friend who really enjoyed the role and what it involved and I thought it sounded like something I’d like to do and so I went for it”!
“What I really enjoy most about being a TSW is the patient interaction when collecting someone for their operation, because for you it’s another day at work but for them sometimes it’s the biggest day of their life and you are one of a handful of people they meet before their operation and you can make a difference in their journey and I really enjoy that I get to be a part of that, you put them at ease and answer questions they might have and if you have met the patient before from previous ops they get to see a familiar face and so do you. I also like that I get to stay in the theatre throughout and see everything that goes on during the operations and get an understanding of what the patient is having done, I find it so interesting. I also get to set up equipment that is needed and help the scrub nurse to set up and count tools for the procedure”.
“Applying for this job was the best thing for me because I get to continue interacting with new people everyday and get to talk to them beforehand but also it’s a huge stepping stone in my future as I can continue to progress on to do anything I want to and the hospital really does give you a massive insight into all the opportunities available to you”.
“It was a huge leap for me to go from a job that was the complete opposite end of the spectrum in a small space to where I am now in a larger environment, surrounded by more people and colleagues with more responsibility. But I have learnt so much since I started here and have come a long way with my confidence and knowledge, it was definitely worth it and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys being around lots of people, working as a team and is willing to learn and develop in a place where no two days are ever the same”.
“I joined CUH last year after finishing my A levels at college and worked my gap year as a band 2 health care assistant. I came into this job to gain experience and get a better understanding of nursing. I later then found out about the nursing apprentice scheme which I started in September 2018, I thought this route best suited me because I am able to live at home while I am both studying and working. It also means I am still getting paid and getting the experience alongside my studies, which helps me to put into practice everything I learn at university. I love the course I am on and am thoroughly enjoying it and I have made such great relationships with my colleagues on my ward who support me both as a health care assistant and a student nurse”.
“To begin with, adjusting to the work load and the thought of exams again was difficult and it can be quite stressful however over time I have got used to it and I am really looking forward to expanding my knowledge of the next three years. I would definitely recommend this route into nursing as it is very practical and hands on but also means you don’t have to pay for your degree”!
