Today we’d like to introduce you to part of our NHS 111 remote clinical team Helen, who is based in South East England. Working as a Triage Clinician, she’s been with us since 2022, here’s what she told us…
“I always knew I wanted to be a nurse, but I did it in my own way. I had children before taking the leap into training as a trauma and orthopaedic nurse in 2013 at King’s College Hospital and I’m glad I did it this way. I was on shift during the Grenfell Tower fire and the London Bridge stabbings, incredibly challenging times, both professionally and emotionally, and they shaped the way I approach patient care today.
“Those early years exposed me to a huge amount. I worked on the critical care and intensive care units from 2018-2021 including during the COVID-19 pandemic, at Medway Maritime Hospital, which was one of the most severely affected, with army support drafted in to help us cope. The life experience I had beforehand built my resilience and gave me skills that were invaluable when it came to being patient-facing and dealing with high-pressured, emotive situations.
"A decision I'm glad I made..."
“I was introduced to DHU Healthcare by a friend, initially joining as an agency nurse, but my manager Steve later persuaded me to come on board full time as a triage clinician. It’s a decision I’m glad I made as I value telephone triage and being able to focus on each patient without the constant physical demands of ward work.
“DHU have given me such a supportive environment. Even on the most challenging days, when calls are queueing, we support one another and even for someone like me, working remotely, we feel part of a team.
“When the headset comes off, I’m an avid reader and love planning holidays! I’ve just returned from Jamaica and will book New York next year as a joint birthday treat for myself and two daughters, one of whom shares the same birthday as me. I can also crochet and am qualified to scuba dive up to instructor level after winning a taster session in a raffle at my daughter’s school.
“For those just starting out, my advice is to take your time, know your limits, and use your resources. If you don’t know the answer, someone around you will. It’s fine to have gaps in knowledge, as long as you know what they are. That mindset has carried me through my career and it continues to guide me, one call at a time – it will do the same for you!”