Joanne Hawkes

Matron in Accident and Emergency

I am Jo Hawkes, I am a matron in Accident and Emergency,   from as far back into my childhood as I can remember I wanted to be a nurse. I Joined the red cross when I was eleven. This gave me a great insight in learning practical skills such as dealing with large wounds and doing basic life support. I gained many badges in the red cross including my badge in basic first aid.

When I was sixteen I did not gain the GCSE’s I need to be able to become a nurse,  So I went to college and did a BTec in Public services and at seventeen I joined the Territorial Army as a medic. This again gave me a wealth of experience and skills dealing with large wounds and emergency situations. I also had a job in a care home which I was able to gain experiences in basic nursing care, helping the residence to wash and dress.

I went on to college to do a NVQ in Health and Social Care, I did this for 3 years gaining more qualifications equivalent to GCSE and A levels.

I finally then had enough qualifications to go to university. I started my nurse training and even though I found the written work at times challenging, I enjoyed all my placements. I qualified with a higher national diploma.

I love being a nurse it is the best decision I have ever made it is different every day. I work with an amazing team. I have had loads of opportunities to learn and study to achieve all my knowledge and skills.