Nursing is rewarding on so many levels, says Gemma
with a national shortage of 34,000 nurses, it means that job prospects are good. nursing is the most employable degree, with 94 per cent of graduates in work within six months.
Plus UK qualifications are internationally recognised.
gemma Arenas, a chemotherapy specialist nurse, is currently working as a locum at noble’s hospital, a Department of health run hospital on the isle of Man.
She says: ‘i work with the oncologist treating adult cancer patients, including people with blood disorders and breast, pancreatic, head and neck cancers.
‘ Patients don’t always grasp the extent of their diagnosis and often feel it’s a case of life and death.
‘i explain the process of care and administer the treatments while supporting them with a smile through tiredness, sickness and the psychology of the ordeal. Empathy is essential as part of my job.’
gemma adds: ‘Educating patients helps to remove fear and anxiety and the role has tremendous feelgood aspects.’
the 52-year-old, who has a Level 6 Diploma from the Royal Marsden, lives in London and is currently working in Douglas during the week.
Simon taylor, of Your world healthcare, the UK’s largest provider of allied healthcare workers to private and NHS hospitals, and through which gemma got her job, says: ‘ nationwide, we are seeing a significant increase in demand for specialist trained nurses, especially in paediatrics, chemotherapy and endoscopy.
‘i advise any trainee nurse to consider exploring these specialities, as they are highly rewarding roles and their choice of work would be second to none, with jobs available in the NHS and private sector throughout the UK.’
David Ashford, isle of Man health minister, says: ‘the isle of Man provides superb work opportunities for nurses.
‘Salaries can be between 5 and 10 per cent higher than in the UK, the commutes are short and some healthcare workers have been offered generous relocation packages.’
Routes into nursing have been expanded: as well as the usual nursing degrees, there are degree apprenticeships and nursing associate jobs that can be a route into training.