12 May 2018 Care

This Nurse uses her experience to help patients, families and colleagues

Christine Reynolds is an auxiliary nurse, supporting people with life limiting illnesses in Kirkwood’s Support & Therapy Department. This Nurses' Day, we want to celebrate some of our amazing colleagues.

#ThisNurse… uses her experience to help patients, families and colleagues

Working as a registered nurse after starting her professional career at the age of 18, Christine took a career break when her children were growing up. She is now using her experience and knowledge to care for people with life limiting illnesses – and to offer invaluable support to her colleagues.

“I always wanted to become a nurse.” said Christine.

“My mum was a nurse and I never really thought about doing anything else.

“I’ve been a nurse since I was 18, so that’s over 30 years now on and off – with a career break in between.

In a varied career, which began on the wards at Leeds General Infirmary, Christine has amassed a vast knowledge base.

“I have done all sorts of roles in my career, from working on a medical ward to training to be a midwife.” said Christine.

“I used my midwifery skills when I moved to a gynaecology ward which then became gynaecology and oncology. I completed an oncology course and worked in that role for nine years, but have also worked on an IVF ward.”

Christine took time out to bring up her children, but was always keen to return to nursing. So when an opportunity at Kirkwood came up, she was delighted.

“When I first came here as an auxiliary nurse following a career break, I thought that it would be great opportunity to get back into nursing. I thought that I could bring my experiences of working in oncology to Kirkwood.

“I was planning to do my back to nursing course to become a registered nurse again, but I love it here and I really wanted to stay.”

Christine’s wealth of experience is invaluable to the team at Kirkwood. Not only does she provide outstanding care and support for patients, she also uses her skills to support her colleagues.

Christine (left) with colleague Wendy Fitzpatrick in the gardens at Kirkwood.

 

“I am really proud to be a part of Kirkwood and to be able to use my skills and experience to help my colleagues. The care here is second to none and that’s what I am all about.”

Having personal experience of how life limiting illnesses can affect families, Christine is proud of the services the team are able to offer to families.

“My dad suffered from Motor Neurone Disease so I have experience of people suffering from neurological conditions. There have been a lot of changes in the way that people with similar illnesses are supported since my dad was ill.

“Here in Support and Therapy, and across Kirkwood, we provide car and support for people with lots of different conditions. I am really proud to work in a place that offers so many different services and offers so much support to anyone affected by an illness.”

If you’d like to find out more about our Support and Therapy department and the services it provides, click here.