Lauren Sullivan-McDaid's story
Lauren Sullivan-McDaid's story
I was a swimming instructor and felt that I needed a change in my life. I knew that I wanted to help people, but I still wasn’t sure about which career to pursue. I grew up around Dagenham, home to people and cultures from all over the world. I would frequently volunteer to help in the local community, specifically children with disabilities. I wanted to find a career where I would feel like I was making a difference in the world.
One day, my local hospital was holding a recruitment event and I decided to attend. I began talking to the nurses at the event, and I became curious about the process of becoming a nurse. I didn’t have any experience, but I learnt that I could become a healthcare assistant. That same day I sat two tests, filled out an application, and came out of the event with a job. After a year as a healthcare assistant, my employer offered me the degree apprentice course so I could progress to being a nurse. It was an incredible opportunity that I gladly accepted.
I believe one of the most important qualities to being a good nurse, is a love for people. I remember a patient who was visited by her children, and they left without being able to hug her or kiss her goodbye. I approached her and asked her if she wanted a hug, and I could tell she really appreciated it. Something as simple as human contact can really make a difference in a patient’s progression in getting better.
Outside of work, my passion lies in the outdoors. Whenever I get the chance, I love to camp with my family and friends in Somerset. There’s something magical about the simple pleasures of eating, roasting marshmallows over the campfire, and being merry in the great outdoors. The clean oxygen just gets you drunk on life.
I hope to one day become a registered nurse and buy my first home so that I can provide a stable base for my boys.
