Case Study - Nursing

Name: Emma Murphy
Job: Nurse

I have been nursing since 1992 and I can honestly say it is the career that I have always wanted to do. I have worked in A&E (accident and emergency) since 1996 and 98 per cent of the time I enjoy the job. There is always so much to learn that the more knowledge I obtain, the more I realise I don’t know.

I feel with nursing that one is a cog in a big wheel and in order for it to run smoothly, you have to realise the importance of everyone involved; from porters, household staff, nurses and ambulance personnel, to doctors, secretarial staff and consultants. The patient’s journey through the hospital depends on all these people doing their job as a team; so don’t apply if you’re not a team player!

A nurse’s education does not end at graduation; in fact to graduate really only provides you with a licence to learn. It is hard work, it takes commitment, and there are days that you wished you worked in Tesco! But the only really negative aspect of nursing that I genuinely find it difficult to deal with now, or probably ever, is having to work Christmas.

Each nurse has an area they are more drawn to. During training this may become apparent to each student, but in my case I always knew that I love adult nursing, and in emergency medicine I found my niche.  There are so many opportunities open to you and you can work flexi time and over time.

Nursing opens many doors and I wouldn’t do anything else. I really love my job and enjoy going to work.... but ask me again at Christmas!