A NEWLY-QUALIFIED city nurse who suffers from a serious and long-term health condition has landed her dream job in Accident and Emergency (A&E) at Worcestershire Royal Hospital after being inspired to join the team by the treatment she has received in the department.
Laura Parsons, 26 started work as a staff nurse earlier this month having recently qualified at the University of Birmingham. She has a rare and complicated condition which causes a number of ongoing health problems including problems with digestion, unstable joints and abnormal heart rhythms.
Her condition means her health can quickly deteriorate and leave her needing urgent emergency hospital treatment. This has led to many visits to the A&E department at Worcestershire Royal where she is treated and stabilised before being admitted to a ward for ongoing care.
“I was always interested in healthcare but initially went to University to train as a teacher. I became miserable during my teacher training and as my health deteriorated I had to quit my course”, said Laura.
After a period of improved health, began work as a Health Care Assistant (HCA) in Brighton where she lived before moving to Worcester.
During her time working as an HCA, Laura improved her confidence and her colleagues persuaded her to take the leap and train to become a fully qualified nurse. After moving to Worcester, Laura was accepted on to a nursing degree course at the University of Birmingham.
Throughout her nurse training, Laura had to come to A&E at Worcester on a number of occasions and became known to the staff in the department. It was here, receiving dedicated care she decided to apply to work directly alongside the nursing staff who had cared for her so many times.
“The nurses in A&E all knew I was doing my training and were so supportive and encouraging. They reassured me it didn’t matter to them that I would be their patient sometimes and it shouldn’t be a barrier to me joining the team”, Laura said.
Following an interview, Laura was offered her dream job working in the department and hospital that continue to care for her.
“I’m so grateful to be able to be part of a team that empower me to achieve my dreams in spite of my disability. Five years ago, I was too sick to work and honestly wasn’t sure how my life would turn out, but now I’m working in my dream job, surrounded by a supportive team”, said Laura.
“I will never be “well”, I have symptoms every day and hospital admissions will probably always be a part of my life.
“Being both a patient and a nurse gives me a unique insight into what matters to patients and the illness I’ve had has definitely influenced how I nurse for the better.”
