Matron Joanne Machon is the latest CHFT colleague to be in our 2020 Year of the Nurse and Midwife.  Every week a different colleague share their feelings about their careers often, as in Jo's case going right back to their childhoods.

Why did you want to become a nurse/midwife? 

I had surgery and spent a week on the Children’s Ward when I was nine years old. I wanted to be just like the nurses on the ward in their dresses and hats. I always read Nurse Nancy in my ‘Twinkle’ weekly comic and loved her and what she did. (I was disappointed when I became a Student nurse and didn’t get to where a hat, if I am totally honest it still disappointments me to this day).

When I was a student Nurse there was a great emphasis on what our future career plans were, they talked a lot about midwifery, district nurses and Health visitors so I think this planted a seed. I spent time with the community Midwives and watched the birth of a baby as a student nurse and thought this was a true miracle. After working as a nurse for 12 months I went on to complete my midwifery training.

Why is nursing/midwifery the best career?

Because every day is different but meaningful for someone that you meet that day.

Sum up nursing/midwifery in three words.

A work of Heart

(sorry I know its Four!!!)