60 Seconds With…. Andrea Childe

RCNi’s new national nursing event, Nursing Live, is being developed in partnership with an advisory board made up of nurses, clinical experts, and other healthcare practitioners, from a wide variety of backgrounds.

We caught up with advisory board member Andrea Childe, a Professional Lead for Education within the RCN Education Learning and Development Team and asked her about her career, her views on the profession, and why she’s supporting Nursing Live.

How and why did you become a nurse? 

It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do, and I’ve never considered anything else. But my initial inspiration definitely came directly from my mum who was an Auxiliary Nurse. When I think of her, I can still see her clearly in her cuffs and cape.

What inspires you most about nurses, and the nursing profession? 

I genuinely feel that nurses are incredibly privileged to be in a position where they get to walk with people through difficult times in their lives. To be able to support people at both their best moments, and their most vulnerable times, is truly humbling.

What is the biggest challenge nurses are currently facing? 

Having the time and the levels of staff required to give the care we need to, while being also able to keep ourselves well enough to provide such care. 

Who do you admire most within the nursing profession and why? 

I admire anyone who, despite the pressures of the job, still wants to train to be a nurse or work in nursing. In fact, anyone prepared to devote their time and emotional energy to help care for others across the health and social care sector deserves admiration. 

What advances have you seen in nursing over the course of your career? 

Technology for certain, and the incredible sophistication of today’s medications and administrative systems. Also, the shift from large, complex procedures to more autonomous and agile processes – where individuals are more empowered and accountable – has made a major impact.

What do you wish that people understood better about nursing? 

That it’s not just a ‘job’. It’s a role that requires passion and humanity, together with an incredibly broad range of skills, knowledge and expertise.

What do you think nurses need right now? 

Nurses need time to care for themselves and those in their care. But in order to do that, nurses need the right level of staffing, the right skills mix, and the right professional support. 

Why should nurses be proud of their profession? 

Nurses should be incredibly proud that they have specifically chosen to care for people at their most vulnerable despite the many barriers and challenges they face. 

Why did you choose to get involved in Nursing Live?

I’m still passionate about my own professional development and that of colleagues. It’s also vital we continue to support and empower our nursing workforce, both now and in the future. An event like Nursing Live will give me and others the opportunity to share knowledge and experiences with fellow nurses, while at the same time I will significantly increase my own learning.