I wanted to become a Children’s Nurse because I’ve always had a passion for helping children and being a voice for them when they can’t always express how they feel. Growing up, I spent quite a bit of time in the hospital, and during those visits, the people I remember most were the nurses. They were the ones who spent the most time with me — caring for me, comforting me, and easing my anxiety when I was scared. I felt safe and understood around them.

When it came time to choose what I wanted to study at university, those experiences came back to me. I realised that I wanted to be that same source of comfort and reassurance for children going through difficult times. As a Children’s Nurse, you don’t just care for the child — you also support their family. For example, there were many times that I would tell parents to go home and rest or go on a walk outside whilst I sit in and watch their child. Giving them that confirmation that I’ll watch their baby, gave them comfort and I built a great relationship with them. This allowed the parents to get some air and come back to their room feeling refreshed and somewhat better. Being able to bring even a little bit of joy or relief to parents during such a stressful time is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s a privilege to be trusted by families to care for their most precious person.

One of the most rewarding moments in nursing is seeing a patient leave the hospital healthier and happier — knowing you played a part in their recovery and in making their experience a little easier. That feeling makes all the challenges worth it and reminds me why I chose this profession in the first place.