Joyce Mulundu, Surgical Orthopaedics Staff Nurse
What does nursing mean to you?
To be a nurse means a lot to me. It has always been my dream to be a nurse and now I get to live my dream by being one every day.
What do you enjoy most about the profession?
It’s the happiness that comes as a result of providing the best nursing care.
What would your advice be to those interested in a career in nursing?
To just go for it – it is one of the most rewarding careers.
What makes you proud to be a nurse?
It is the personal connection and rapport that I'm able to build with patients.
What do you like about working at Cromwell Hospital?
I have felt supported by my colleagues since my first day in the UK to now. I also like how I can work with people of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.
Can you share one of your favourite nursing memories with us?
One of my favourite moments is when I see the patients smile and they thank me for a job well done. That is the fuel that drives me to work every day with a smile and the energy to work harder.
Analie Estrada, Paediatric Clinical Team Leader
What does nursing mean to you?
For me, being a nurse is more than just a profession – it's a passion for me, and every day is an opportunity to grow. I love expanding my knowledge through training sessions and consider myself fortunate to have enjoyed every hospital I've worked in.
My current nursing identity is largely a result of the patients, colleagues, instructors, other hospital staff, and members of the medical profession – although I am aware that I still have a great deal to learn. I think accepting my limitations is an essential part of becoming a good nurse.
What do you enjoy most about the profession?
I've always loved dealing with children. My greatest interest is taking care of little kids, and I've always wanted a career that allows me to do just that.
I was employed in the paediatric oncology and haematology unit at my previous job and discovered that nothing gives me more joy or fulfillment than taking care of the patients, seeing them finish their treatment, and being able to witness their bravery.
In my new role, I am enjoying the challenges and look forward to the opportunities it may bring.
What would your advice be to those interested in a career in nursing?
Simply keep in mind the reason you're doing it, because there will be moments when you think 'this isn't what I signed up for'. Every course has difficulties when you are studying at university. However, I believe that once you start working and encounter different people and personalities, it is a lot of fun. Along the way, if you think nursing is not for you, you can always start anew.
What makes you proud to be a nurse?
The most fulfilling aspect of my job is the close relationships I build with my patients. A patient always recalls their nurse, even after a long time has passed. They might not recall the name of the nurse, but they recall if they were amiable and considerate and how you made them feel. A competent nurse is consistently good no matter what.
What do you like about working at Cromwell Hospital?
Someone asked me this recently and I told them that I am enjoying the challenges of the role, the opportunities, and the support that Cromwell Hospital gives me in my career.
I enjoy being a member of the paediatric team. The work environment is always encouraging, fostering a sense of purpose and shared commitment through teamwork and camaraderie.
When I joined Cromwell Hospital in June 2022, I was warmly welcomed by all the team. It was the first time in my 22-year nursing career that the Director of Nursing, other leaders, and the HR team welcomed us into the hospital.
The support from the unit has been so heartwarming. They are always very encouraging and helpful and helped me feel well prepared for the OSCE.
Can you share one of your favourite nursing memories with us?
I have a lot of good memories from when I was building my nursing career. I enjoy being able to help patients during vulnerable moments and working hard to help them get better, whether they're deteriorating or just had surgery, being able to make them feel valued is one of the reasons I joined nursing. Those patients are the ones you remember.
Joao Fonseca, Head of Nursing – Clinical Site Management, Capacity, and Workforce Planning
What does nursing mean to you?
A nurse is there for others when they need you the most. Someone that is knowledgeable, has the right approach, and can work collaboratively with others. Someone in service, ready to learn, highly accountable, and always professional.
What do you enjoy most about the profession?
As a career, it offers you so many opportunities and avenues. I’ve been in Intensive Care all my life, but I’ve done almost all specialisms. I’ve cared for the sickest patients and the ones that just need minimal interventions. I've provided end of life care and supported the rehabilitation of others back into normal life. During my career, I've had the pleasure of educating others and managing teams. Nowadays I support senior leaders. I love the open field of opportunities that only nursing provides.
What would your advice be to those interested in a career in nursing?
It’s just an immense world of emotions that can take you to high levels of achievement and gratitude. It is not easy, it is not for all, but if you are curious join us in this adventure.
What makes you proud to be a nurse?
Respect for the profession. In everybody’s heart, a nurse is someone highly trustworthy, competent, caring, honest, and professional. The sharing of professional and personal values makes it really rewarding and satisfying.
What do you like about working at Cromwell Hospital?
The constant pursuit for outstanding care for our patients. Since I’ve been working at Cromwell Hospital, I feel full engagement from people, contributing positively for a better patient experience. I feel they care about doing their best every day.
Can you share one of your favourite nursing memories with us?
It is hard to identify one, but I would select the moment back in 2021 when we had a fully established team in Intensive Care, a brand-new unit, and we were delivering high-quality care to a high volume of patients with multiple complexities.
Gladys Muchomba, HCA and Phlebotomist
What do you enjoy most about nursing?
Nursing is satisfying and rewarding, especially when I see the process of patients getting better and genuinely making a difference. I'm dedicated to my patients and my team.
What would your advice be to those interested in a career in nursing?
My advice to anyone who would like to work in nursing is to know that it changes your way of thinking. To me, it's a lifetime profession and rewards you with everyday learning opportunities. You become more honest, trustworthy, and value your patients.
What makes you proud to work in nursing?
That I'm able to make decisions which can ultimately save a person's life.
What do you like about working at Cromwell Hospital?
I really enjoy working in Outpatients and covering all the specialties, although ENT and dermatology are my favourite.
Can you share one of your favourite nursing memories with us?
For me, it was when I did my training. It changed my way of thinking and filled me with joy seeing positive outcomes.
