Being a parent helps me in children’s nursing

Chris Steele on how his personal experiences are used to enhance his caregiving
When I tell people who know me as a father that I want to become a children's nurse, they say: 'That will be too emotionally difficult.’
I understand such opinions, but my passion for children’s nursing drives me on.
It hasn't been easy. Being part of the care for a child in respiratory arrest; seeing the effect of life-limiting conditions and end of life care on children and young people and their families; or observing how unwanted variations increase health and developmental concerns – are all part of working life in children's care.
I would come home, embrace my children and cry. Not because I was upset, but because I was thankful that I have five healthy children, who I couldn't imagine life without.
'One thing
...Want to read more?
Unlock full access to RCNi Plus today
Save over 50% on your first three months:
- Customisable clinical dashboard featuring 200+ topics
- Unlimited online access to all 10 RCNi Journals including Nursing Children and Young People
- RCNi Learning featuring 180+ RCN accredited learning modules
- NMC-compliant RCNi Portfolio to build evidence for revalidation
- Personalised newsletters tailored to your interests

This article is not available as part of an institutional subscription. Why is this?
