"My hamster died"

My hamster died.

I knew from an early age what I wanted to be when I grew up. A magician. I would earn fame and fortune performing magic shows with my hamster Hannibal. With Hannibal’s sad passing I needed another career, or another hamster. Inspiration came from BBC’s Casualty.  I remember the episode, there was a major incident (usual in the unfortunate city of Holby) and charge nurse Charlie announced dramatically: "Close the department and initiate the emergency action plan." Then he went on to solve a variety of serious health and social problems in his white long-sleeved coat which would make infection control's toes curl. From that point I knew that nursing was for me, I would be the new Charlie. 

I started my first role on a Youth Training Scheme as a support worker for people with learning disabilities. Several years after, I became a registered nurse and achieved my dream of emulating Charlie and closed the department and initiated the emergency action plan (norovirus outbreak). However, after 12 traumatic hours wondering how fluids could simultaneously be ejected from both ends of my digestive system, I decided drama of this nature was overrated. I later became an infection control nurse! 

After a long(ish) detour managing a CQC inspection team and more recently working at the Department of Health and Social Care, I was ready for a change. I didn’t think my husband would be supportive of the idea of showcasing magic with our Labrador Dexter, as I don’t know any magic and Dexter isn’t that well trained. So, I asked myself, "What would Charlie do?"  He had several twists and turns during his career and always ended up doing something he valued. I like working with a diversity of people in different and challenging environments. My new role fits perfectly with this.

As the first Lead Nurse for Independent Health and Social care for the RCN in the South East I am looking forward to working with you and creating some magic. 

Please do get in touch if you have any ideas or suggestions about how best we can support South East members working in the Independent Sector: rian.gleave@rcn.org.uk