Privileged position as ward sister in an acute stroke unit

Claire Harris is ward sister in the acute stroke unit, Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, Wales. She is responsible for leading a large team of 40 nurses who deliver stroke services to patients in the Gwent area. After taking part in a panel discussion on workforce development at the RCN Wales leadership summit in March, she spoke to Nick Lipley about her role.

Abstract

Why did you become a nurse?

No one in my family is a nurse, but since childhood I have wanted to join the caring profession. I enjoy helping people and love working with older people. I definitely think nursing is the vocation for me.

What might you have done otherwise?

Clichéd as it may sound, I always dreamed of being a nurse. Originally, I considered training to become a midwife, but I enjoyed nursing so much that I changed my mind.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Delivering patient care. I work with a dedicated, compassionate team of nurses who inspire me every day. It is a privilege to be a part of every patient and family’s life, and I enjoy developing and mentoring other nurses.

How and where have you developed your leadership skills?

The experiences I have had as a nurse and manager have helped me to develop my leadership style, while self-reflection has helped me to gain confidence from experiences. Good role models are vital and I am surrounded by excellent nurse leaders who I admire and learn from each day. I am also studying for a master’s degree in leadership and management at the University of South Wales, and the theory is underpinning my development.

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This article was first published in print under the original title 'A privileged position' in Nursing Management: volume 23, issue 2