People Story | Leigh Rose | Lead Endoscopy Nurse

View Leigh's story here

“DMC Healthcare is dynamic and very responsive. You really feel like you are part of a family.”

I didn’t take a straightforward route into nursing and started working in a bank at 16. At 20 I had a child and when I returned to work, I worked in finance for a global magazine group.

"I always wanted to be a nurse from a young age"

I came to realise that I like endoscopy because there is a different relationship between you and the medics. On the ward, the medics dictate what drugs, what time, what treatments etc. Whereas in endoscopy, the doctors can’t do their job without the nurses.

"In 2011 I was headhunted and became a sister"

I started a role running a unit at the Ilford treatment centre and ended up taking my first lead position. After about 3 years, I moved to BUPACromwell Hospital and twice received the prize forGreat customer care. Whilst there, I met Dr Devlin, clinical lead at DMC and he invited me to come over to DMC where I joined in Sept 2018.

“There’s great teamwork and there is real respect for what we do”

Endoscopy has changed a lot over the years. The nurses need to have the technical knowledge and skills as ultimately the doctor can’t give the patient the full range of treatment without it. We’re constantly learning, either on the job but also external courses and we in turn train others. We also attend the BSG annual 2 day event.

“I have a team of 35-40 nurses who I’m directly responsible for”

Some of the nurses are endoscopy experts who may or may not have jobs in the NHS and work for us on a freelance basis. Some are recovery specialist nurses and some are admission nurses.They all feel like it’s a family.

“The switch from finance to nursing was very different”

It was a bit hard at first and I couldn’t have done it without some of the best HCA’s I’ve ever worked with. They taught me everything.

“Empathy and sensitivity are key attributes”

As I’m dealing with a fast paced environment, I must respond to change in a timely manner and ensure changes are communicated to all members of the team. Working with patients and their relatives requires the ability to communicate complex medical information and to handle difficult situations with tact and sensitivity.

“DMC is a great company – they know you as a person”

I quite like that DMC is a small company where you are seen as a person and not just a name amongst many 100s or 1000s. You have autonomy but they are there to support you when you need it. If you ask for equipment or IT they are very supportive.

“My advice to others would be to just go for it “

If you fancy a change of career, I’d say go in with open eyes. It can be emotionally draining, and you need a lot of resilience, but I think for most people they’ll be hooked forever. I can’t imagine doing anything else now

“DMC suits my lifestyle well”

I work part time as a contractor. I work most weekends and 2 days admin in the week. This allows me time to pursue my own interests which currently include learning to play the saxophone and I am just about to join a ‘big band’ to experience playing with others.

“DMC is a dynamic and exciting company”

They are always trying to grow the service and are very responsive to your needs. They are really friendly and you feel you are truly part of a family. We see a lot of the leadership team and feel valued.

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