Emergency department staff nurse — Aisling Dennis

By applying during the final weeks of her nursing degree, Aisling was able to start work as a children's nurse straight from graduation

How did you get your job as a staff nurse?

During the final weeks of university, I applied through the NHS Scotland website for the position of children's nurse in the emergency department of Edinburgh's Royal Hospital for Children & Young People.

At the time, due to COVID-19, I completed a telephone interview and was subsequently offered the job.

How relevant is your degree to your nursing job?

I completed a Bachelors degree in child health nursing at Edinburgh Napier University. Without my degree I could not do my job. The degree offers hands-on experience and relevant hospital and community-based placements. This allowed me to learn on the job what is needed to become a competent nurse.  

What are your main work activities at the hospital?

I work 12.5-hour shifts and a typical day can involve triaging patients to assess how quickly they require to be seen by a care provider.

Other tasks include administering medication, putting in cannulas, taking blood samples and completing other investigations such as ECG monitoring and routine observations. I also deal with a lot of minor injuries so a typical day could involve putting on casts, Steri Strips and dressing wounds.  

How has your role developed and what are your career ambitions?

My role has developed significantly since I began. I have completed a lot of in-house training and have upskilled massively in the three years since qualifying as a children's nurse.

My career aim is to become a Band 6 deputy charge nurse in the emergency department.  

What do you enjoy most about being a nurse?

I love the unpredictable nature of the job, not knowing what might come through the door. I am fortunate to work with an exceptional team who deal incredibly well with a busy and often stressful environment. 

What are the challenges?

Given the nature of the emergency department, some patients may have a poor prognosis. This can be mentally challenging to deal with, but I have such a supportive team it makes this easier to handle. 

What advice can you give to others wanting to get into this job?

I advise anyone wishing to get into this job to fully engage in placements during university. Take all the opportunities you can and be open-minded about what area you want to work in. Don't close yourself off to other potential opportunities.

Find out more

• Learn more about the role of a children's nurse.
• Gain an insight into the healthcare sector.