Nurses Day is an annual celebration of all the wonderful things that nurses do as well as the contributions they make to our lives when we need it the most.
Today is really important to us here at The Hospital Group, as our experienced nursing team are an integral part of your cosmetic or weight loss journey with us, providing one-to-one support before, during and after any surgical procedure to ensure you receive the best possible results through their specialist knowledge, aftercare and guidance.
But what is a day in the life of a nurse at The Hospital Group really like? We caught up with clinical nurse and Bandboozled Co-Founder Nic Harris based in our Liverpool clinic to find out more:
1. Tell us about yourself!
I’m Nic, I’ve been a clinical nurse with The Hospital Group for over 6 years now, caring for patients before and after their surgery, whether that be a cosmetic enhancement or weight loss surgery.
2. What does your role at The Hospital Group involve?
Where do I start… My role as a clinical nurse involves meet the patients from the very beginning and being with them throughout the full journey. Whether this is completing their pre-operative assessment as well as also having the pleasure to be alongside them during the post-operative stage right through to seeing their overall results.
3. What is a typical day like?
A big part of my day is all about weight loss surgery as this is my specialist area. I work alongside a fantastic supportive team here at The Hospital Group, which really helps as my days are busy…. busier than busy! What keeps me going is the interaction with my patients as each and every person has chosen to have surgery for their own unique reasons and I feel very lucky to be part of their journeys.
My day also involves nursing my cosmetic surgery patients after they’ve had their procedure which is all about wound care and healing. I enjoy listening to people’s reasons behind going for surgery which makes me feel very privileged to be part of something that truly means so much to them.
4. What have you learnt from your time as a nurse?
During my years in the clinic, it has made me realise that gastric band surgery patients, in particular, need support, education and guidance. I’m often telling my patients that the band is the boss! Those with a gastric band will appreciate this and if you’re not following the rules you will know about it. This is why it is so important to really understand what the band is all about and how it works.
I have learnt so much over the last 6 years, especially the effects that weight gain can have on someone’s lifestyle especially when it comes to maintaining your weight loss. A gastric band is an amazing tool to help control portions and hunger, combine this with a textured healthy diet and a good level of exercise and the effects can be totally life-changing. I can vouch for this on a daily basis!
5. What do you enjoy most about being a nurse?
I love to keep my patients focused, reminding them continuously about the positive changes which are easily forgotten or sometimes not even considered by them. I don’t always mean a dramatic weight loss on the scales, this can be something as simple as changing the size of your plate, a new hairstyle, or moving a little more. Little steps get you there in the end!
My time at The Hospital Group has taken me on an amazing journey, I have been on a television documentary, started my own gastric band support website BandBoozled with my dietitian partner Sue and I’ve even had cosmetic surgery myself- something I have wanted for many years!
But mostly it has made me realise how lucky I am to be working within a profession that I love a that really makes a difference to so many people’s lives. So, to all the truly wonderful nurses out there- Happy Nurses Day from me!
Nic is a Co-Founder of BandBoozled, an online slimming club for band patients…
Ran by Nic and her business partner Specialist Bariatric Dietitian Sue, all gastric band patients will now receive 12 month’s free membership to BandBoozled. This is a huge source of information, recipes, meal plans and weekly updates which can help you on your journey. There is also a weight login area where you can track your weight and measurements and a Forum where you can talk to others with a gastric band and ask questions.