Case studies

"The people I work with are hardworking, supportive and fun to work with."

Sue Boustead is a Staff Nurse based in the Main Outpatients Department at the Freeman.

What does your job involve?

My role involves daily coordination of the various outpatient clinics, providing clinical expertise to patients as well as teaching and supervising unregistered staff and student nurses.

Because the Newcastle Hospitals offers so many specialist services, I get the opportunity to work within multi-specialty clinics which include all fields of medicine, surgery, urology, respiratory conditions, cardiology, transplant, gynaecology, neuro-sciences, pain management and haematology.

I am also responsible for promoting good health and wellbeing, and as a nurse I am the patient advocate which means taking responsibility and accountability for a wide range of patients within the department.

In terms of clinical practice I carry out specific clinics for IV cannulation and venepuncture, ECG recordings and applying and changing vascular, surgical dressings.

What you love about your job?

I love my job because I work with a hardworking and supportive team of people. I also have the opportunity to work across the Freeman Hospital and Royal Victoria Infirmary sites, as well our modern outpatient facility in Cramlington which runs Dermatology, Ophthalmology, ENT and Vascular clinics.

The department actively supports family friendly working. Working Monday to Friday 08.30 to 17.00 suits me personally so that I can focus on my work life balance and childcare needs.

Working with such a multi-disciplinary team means that we connect with diverse patient groups which allows for an interesting and challenging working environment, and this is important to me.  All team members play an integral role in improving health and wellbeing. Receiving genuine gratitude from our patients is often the greatest gift.

Patients often return to clinic for follow up appointments which allows us to build a really good nurse patient rapport.

I feel privileged and proud to work within this department and for the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Proudest moment so far?

Achieving my nursing degree.

Any tips for finding a job that you love?

Do your research. Go visit the area you are interested in.

Tell us about any travel and / or unusual aspects of the job

Good bus links. Hopper bus available between hospital sites.

What are your usual working hours?

Monday – Friday 08.30-17.00

What training is needed for your job?

• Registered Nurse
• Current NMC Registration
• Basic IT skills
• Good Communication & interpersonal skills
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT)