Sheffield's amazing nurses celebrated ahead of International Nurses' Day

To mark today’s International Nurses’ Day, The Star has spoken to some a few of the 4,000 nurses employed by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust about the motivation behind their work.

Michelle Freeman, a learning and development manager for the trust, has worked in nursing for more than 35 years and now helps train the workers of the future.

Michelle, who recently underwent orthopaedic surgery and was cared for by some of her own students, said: “Job satisfaction is very important to me and I definitely get this from my role.

“I am able to ensure the staff we train are safe and effective in what they do.

“Being able to support patients and relatives through challenging times is an important part of being a nurse and it is a privileged position to be in for myself and those I teach.”

Many city nurses have deeply personal reasons why they chose the profession.

Clinical nurse specialist Amanda Grant was inspired by a young age by her grandmother, who was a nurse in World War II and told her stories of wartime London.

Amanda, who works at one of the trust’s satellite clinics at Chesterfield Hospital, said: “The thing I love most about my job is the patients. As well as being able to provide care, I enjoy listening to their stories and love to find ways to help them through difficult times. The best words to hear from a patient are ‘thank you’ – it makes my job so satisfying.”

Staff nurse Patronilla Chivaura, who works on the dialysis unity at the Northern General Hospital, frequently visited her father who had a long-term health condition in hospital when she was young and was inspired to become a nurse.

Patronilla, who trained as a nurse in Zimbabwe in 1990 before moving to Sheffield Teaching Hospitals in 2002, said: “Every day is different on the dialysis unit and I get to meet a lot of great people.

“I’m proud that I get to make a difference to someone’s life during their time of need and can support both patients and their families.”

Romanian-born Madalina Roman has spent 15 years working in Sheffield and is now based in the neurology department at the Hallamshire helping stroke patients.

She said: “Being Romanian gives me a good subject to break the ice with all of my patients. I enjoy getting to know them, and I enjoy them getting to know me. A nurse is always associated with someone who is kind and caring, and I am proud to be a part of the profession.”

Sanchia Garcia-Perez, who works at the Northern General, said: “Nursing is a big part of my life and I feel proud to be a part of a profession that continues to higher its standards and put the care of patients first.

“Every day I aim to provide good quality care and treat patients how I would want my family or myself to be treated.”

Stuart Amos, a senior charge nurse at Weston Park Cancer Hospital, said: “I am proud to be a nurse. Nursing is a great career with so many different pathways to follow.

“Running a ward and a team is a great opportunity and I enjoy taking on the various challenges this offers.”

Senior charge nurse Ian Kennan was a chef before becoming a care assistant in a care home and then trained as a nurse.

Ian, now working with stroke patients at the Hallamshire, said: “I am proud that my team and I are able to put a smile on patient’s faces and make a difference at a very vulnerable time in their lives.

“I work with some truly inspirational nurses and support workers who are totally focussed on providing first-class care to our patients.”