Safeguarding Children Nurse Specialist - Shantallow Health Centre
When did you start the HSC?
1997 NHS England then 2008 HSC NI
Why did you choose to work in the HSC?
I had always wanted to work as a Nurse as a young child, I took on the caring young to my younger siblings growing up & this naturally progressed to Caring patients, women & children & now working to safeguard vulnerable children & young people in our Community.
Describe what you do?
I hold specialist role in relation to the safeguarding of children and young people under the age of 18 years. THE SCNS in the WHSCT provide specialist professional advice, supervision, training and support to all nurses, midwives and Specialist Community Public Health Nurses; this supports the Nurse registrant to take the action required to respond to a safeguarding issue in the context of their role.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy supporting staff to recognise and respond to abuse/significant harm to protect the children/young person they work with. I enjoy seeing staff grow with confidence and experience when responding to abuse, I enjoy watching them use the skills & experience gained to analyse the information available to them to allow them to make decisions based on the best interest of the child/young person.
I enjoy seeing the positive outcomes achieved for children & their families.