BJN Awards: respiratory nurse of the year 2019: runner up

I was pleased to be nominated for respiratory nurse of the year in the BJN Awards 2019 and proud to be a runner up.

Nursing and caring for children has been a large part of my life since 1984, when I completed the combined registered sick children and registered general nurse training at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), London, and Leicester Royal Infirmary.

During my training I had worked with a very determined teenager who had cystic fibrosis (CF). Her zest for life sparked a long-term interest in this genetic condition and the amazing children who live with it. I also worked with children who had severe asthma, at a time when management was not as advanced as it is today, but I realised that, even with the basic medications we had available, adherence to treatment was the key to successful management.

After completing my training I became a staff nurse on the tracheostomy ward at GOSH. This gave me a great foundation in caring for children with artificial airways and I learned how managing their care at home is complex but possible with support.