Josie Gray, a newly qualified nurse on Clementine A, has reflected on how the pandemic affected her, after receiving a special nursing badge to mark the end of her training placement at our Trust.

She said: “Before the pandemic I had a great insight into nursing different patients young and old across many different wards. The teams I worked with taught me a lot about myself and how to care. This really helped me when I started as a full time nurse earlier than expected because of Covid-19.”

Josie started her nurse training in 2018 and during each year of her three-year degree she carried out her clinical placements at Queen’s Hospital. This gave her the practical exposure to learn about what she was studying. 

She added: “When I look back at the beginning of the pandemic I can see how my training at our Trust really helped me get through each shift. I was able to draw on my practical experience to help me with my confidence, I was very nervous! And the relationships I had built with staff from my training were key to getting me through each shift.

“My dad has asthma and I was worried about him and keeping my family safe, the thought of passing the virus on to them played on my mind. But I was taught how to don and doff my personal protective equipment (PPE) carefully, and I was fit-tested for a suitable mask before I started.

 “I sadly lost my gran during the pandemic and my most valued memory is the staff’s kindness when I was at work, everyone was so supportive.”

Josie is one of more than 80 nurses and midwives trained at our Trust who graduated this month. All received a special graduation badge, which they will wear on their uniform for the rest of their career to show with pride where they trained.

Josie added: “I’ve learnt so much from this experience, and despite the difficult and extraordinary circumstances, I feel that it has really clarified to me that nursing is what I love. 

“I now work on the ward where I did my final placement which is still a Covid-19 ward. I can honestly say I am really happy where I am working and I am really proud to wear my nursing badge.”