Cohorted Cult bring you real-life interviews from those working directly on the front line during the Coronavirus pandemic. Introducing Hayley Anne, a Registered General Nurse working throughout COVID-19. Stay Safe, #StayHome.

1. Background Information: Name, Age, Job Role 

My name is Hayley Anne, I’m 30 and I’m a registered general nurse. 

 

2. What made you want to become a nurse?

I trained as a beauty therapist when I was younger, so haven’t always been a nurse. I suppose a part of that job was that I enjoyed making people feel good about themselves, which brought out my caring side. I decided I wanted a change in career and thought I would give nursing a try. I honestly took to it like a duck to water! I couldn’t imagine doing anything else, it’s definitely my calling and I’m so lucky to have found it.  

 

3. What is an average day for your job role?

I work in a day unit, which is very busy! Patients come in for routine appointments, day case procedures and also emergencies, which makes my job really varied. Sometimes, we can see around 90 patients a day. It’s very different from the ward setting, which can be extremely fast-paced and stressful. However, the unit I’m on is very specialised and I’ve obtained many new skills since being there. It’s really rewarding, and I love it. 

 

4. What is the new reality of working on the front line as a nurse, in the current climate?

It’s very different to how things were before, as we cannot see as many patients as we previously did. Wearing all the PPE is also difficult as it becomes so hot and uncomfortable, but we just get on with it as our patients and their health and safety is a priority.  

 

5. Have the PPEshortages personally impacted the way you work/people around you? 

Of course, and it has been a big learning curve for everyone, as the guidelines continue to change. The PPE itself is so warm and uncomfortable, but we must do it for the safety of the patients and ourselves. We have different brands of PPE coming in, but this doesn’t affect the way we work. We are very lucky in the fact that we haven’t been directly impacted by the shortages and thankfully have always had enough PPE. 

6. What have been the most difficult/personal moments for you? 

Probably not seeing my family and friends as much as I normally would. You miss the little things like seeing them and socialising with them. We now know we will never take them for granted again!  

 

8. Have YOU had any rewarding moments which helps motivate you? 

Every day, it’s our patients that motivate us. I mean, how scary must it be for them in an unfamiliar, hospital environment, not able to see their families or friends if they are scared or upset – this is going on in most hospitals, where most patients are having to cope alone. The rainbows and positive messages people are sending the NHS, along with the 8 pm applauds motivates me. It shows our hard work isn’t going unnoticed. When our patients recover and say thank you to us, especially in these uncertain times, is incredibly rewarding.  

9. How has this pandemic influenced your home life? 

I was really good at ‘staying home’ before we were told to stay at home officially. I do enjoy a nice relaxing night in, but it’s made me realise what is important in life, and that’s family and friends.  

 

10. What do you do to maintain your self-care routine, to encourage relaxation at the end of the day? 

Staying in work has definitely helped me keep a routine going, which is important when there is so much uncertainty and chaos around us. However, I do enjoy some nice home-cooked food or takeaway paired with some Netflix to unwind at home – and of course, a nice bubble bath to rest my legs after a long day!