We staged another successful nurse recruitment morning at HRI last Saturday.

Thanks to an amazing show staged by CHFT nurses we attracted the biggest ever turnout. As a result we were able to offer 55 new contracts to mainly students and some qualified nurses. 

They will take up roles across the our Trust. A&E posts remain amongst the most popular but there was also increasing interest in care for the elderly - traditionally a difficult area to recruit to. We look forward to welcoming them when they start.

Our Chief Nurse Brendan Brown and deputy director of nursing Lindsay Rudge welcomed them all. Here, Brendan looks back at the event and his own days as a starter nurse and total pride in his career choice.

What makes these events special? 

They give us an opportunity to meet prospective members of the CHFT team, but more importantly enable our practice development, ward and departmental teams to showcase the work they are doing to prospective new recruits. What makes it special is the commitment and comradery our teams put into organising these events, the energy they display and how welcome and at how at ease the candidates feel after meeting our teams. The organisation that goes into these events cannot be underestimated, and goes a long way to making them as special as they are.

Why were they applying to be nurses at CHFT?

Because candidates have heard that the nursing and midwifery staff here welcome new recruits, support and help develop them. Many of the candidates have been students here, and want to join the Trust once qualified as they’ve had such a positive experience during their training. Other candidates wanted to return to the Trust after working elsewhere.

As an experienced nurse yourself what would say to newcomers to the profession?

I would say that nursing remains the best profession in the world, albeit one of the most challenged and difficult currently. I’d also say enjoy your time as a new starter and embrace the CHFT experience.

Can you tell us about your first role?

My first role was as a ‘D’ Grade staff nurse on a general surgical ward on a six month temporary contract. I was offered a permanent contract but was enticed to join Medicine, and then worked in an Acute Respiratory Ward.

Career highlight?

Too many to single one out. My most recent one would be the CHFT Conference in Compassionate Care, and celebrating alongside Tommy Whitelaw the work frontline staff are delivering. I was reminded why I’m proud to be a nurse, and proud to work in the NHS.