“I love the interaction and care I can give to children” – Clare Watts Paediatric Sister
“I love the interaction and care I can give to children, young people and their families. I like the fact that every shift is different, and I love the camaraderie of our team”.
I started my career in the Paediatric Emergency Department in 2021, right in the thick of the Covid pandemic. Before that, I worked on the Woodlands Children’s Assessment Unit at Tunbridge Wells Hospital after qualifying in 2019. I wanted more of a challenge, and I love the unpredictable nature of A&E – there really isn’t an average shift here!
My journey with MTW actually began much earlier, back in 2002. I started out driving and crewing the Trust ambulance, handling inter-hospital transfers, outpatient appointments, and even long-distance repatriations – my furthest trip took me all the way to Scotland.
Those eleven years gave me an incredible insight into healthcare across the country.
After that, I spent three years as a nursery nurse on Hedgehog Ward before the Trust sponsored me to complete my Children’s Nursing degree in 2016. Since then, I’ve been proud to grow with the Trust.
Most of my shifts are at Maidstone Hospital, where I work as a Paediatric Sister in the Emergency Department. My role is varied and vital; I’m responsible for the safe running of the department.
That means making sure all safety checks are completed, the department is staffed correctly, and every nurse has their role clearly allocated.
I look out for the wellbeing of both staff and patients, working closely with the A&E and Paediatric multidisciplinary teams to keep the department flowing smoothly so every child and family gets the best possible care, as quickly as possible.
Alongside my nursing colleagues I also triage patients, administer medications, and treat children, whether they come in with a medical issue, a mental health concern, or an injury. I love the interaction and care I’m able to give children, young people and their families.
No two shifts are the same, and that variety keeps me on my toes. What I appreciate most, especially on challenging days, is the strong camaraderie within our team – we support each other through it all.
From ambulance crew to nursery nurse, then staff nurse, and now paediatric sister, my journey has been a rewarding climb – made possible by the Trust’s ongoing support, especially through sponsoring my BSc in Paediatric Nursing.
There are so many opportunities here for training and career progression. If you’re passionate about making a difference, come and join our team. You won’t regret it.