Health Careers LIVE in Nursing

My name is Sarah Branch I am the Oncology matron at the Royal Surrey county Hospital.

The reason I wanted to become a nurse is because I looked after my Grandmother when I was 15 before she went to a nursing home. I knew I wouldn’t have been someone to sit at a desk all day and I liked making people feel comfortable and seeing them well looked after and cared for. I like interacting with people and making what can be a very scary situation less frightening.

I first started my nurse training at the university of Surrey in 2002. Before I started Uni I went to Guildford College and did an AVCE in Health and social care. This allowed me to get the qualification to get into University but it also gave me experience in hospitals and within the public sector to ensure that I made the correct decision for my career.

I have always had a passion for emergency nursing since my qualification in 2002. I am motivated and have continued to develop myself personally and professionally, building on knowledge and experience; completing a BSc Hons in Emergency Care. My career has encompassed cardiac and orthopaedic specialities as well as emergency nursing. I found myself enjoying teaching and supporting students and new staff members, leading by example and using evidence based care. I am now in a practice development role, which enables me to use my listening skills and support the staff more effectively.