“I love spending time with my young patients” – Siân Mitchell, Nursery Nurse
“I love spending time with my young patients – playing, connecting, and helping them find even the smallest spark of joy amid the stress”.
I joined MTW in 2023, working on Ward 11 and then moved to the Paediatric Emergency Department in October 2024.
There’s rarely a clear line between day and night in our world; children arrive at all hours, and we’re always ready.
My role is wonderfully varied; I review regular observations and support my colleagues however I can, whether offering comfort through play therapy to a distressed child, assisting with cannulation or blood draws, or patching up injuries with a calm hand and a smile.
By day, I help keep the department in order. This is no small task, especially with the joyful chaos of the playrooms.
By night, with fewer patients, I restock and reset the space, ensuring we’re prepared for whatever the next day brings. And yes, there are endless cups of tea for anxious parents – it’s a small comfort, but a meaningful one.
No two days in the Emergency Department are ever the same. At Tunbridge Wells, we’re a Level 2 trauma centre, receiving ambulance and HEMS patients, which keeps us on constant alert. At Maidstone, while we don’t receive emergency transports, we still stay ready for anything.
A child may come to us with something as routine as chickenpox, but they’re often not the only ones in need of extra care. In the Emergency Department, people arrive in what they believe is a crisis. Sometimes it truly is the most overwhelming moment of their lives.
That’s why kindness matters. Supporting not just the child but the whole family, can shape their experience and influence how that child sees healthcare in the future.
Working for MTW has many benefits but what truly motivates me is the opportunity to grow. I’m especially excited about the prospect of joining the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship.
The chance to build my skills, take on new responsibilities, and contribute more meaningfully to patient care is something I look forward to.
Perseverance is key. I quickly learned that working with adults wasn’t the right fit and I’ve always known I wanted to work with children. When I first joined MTW, I had limited clinical experience but Ward 11 gave me an incredible introduction to healthcare. It wasn’t my dream role, but it was the perfect foundation.
No one lands their dream job straight away. But if you keep learning, keep pushing forward, and stay focused on your goals, you’ll get there.
Be determined. Stay positive. Healthcare can be tough, but you’re never in it alone.
One of the things I value about MTW is the support—not just in the clinical setting, but beyond. From psychological services to morale boosters like the film club and gym discounts, the Trust genuinely invests in its people. It makes a real difference knowing support is always there when you need it.