Rebecca’s Story

Rebecca is a children’s nurse and deputy manager at The Birches in Coventry; a respite service for children and young people with complex physical health needs. Rebecca tells us about her experience joining the team and the immediate warmth she felt from visiting the service.

“I started my nursing training in 2016 as a mature student with two young children. I got a job at Birmingham Children’s Hospital once I qualified in 2019, which was just before the pandemic started.

I started working on a surgical ward, but because of the pandemic all surgeries were cancelled, and we were redeployed. I had only been qualified for 6 months when I was moved to a children’s general paediatric ward which incorporated the covid ward as we were the only ward with a separate annexe. I did lots of shifts on the covid ward and felt like we were making a difference in a scary new world. When the surgical wards started reopening, I decided that I enjoyed where I was and continued my nursing career there.

In 2023 I was scrolling through NHS Jobs; not really looking for a new job, but one jumped out to me. It was at The Birches Respite Unit at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust. I had never heard of The Birches even though I have lived in Coventry all my life. I did a little bit of research and thought there was no harm in applying, so I did! I was very apprehensive when I went for the interview as it was still all so unknown.

During that interview, I had a look around the unit and had such a great feeling about the place that I knew I would be happy there. When I was offered the job on the same day I immediately accepted!
I was made to feel so welcome right from the start and felt part of the team. I applied to be a speak-up champion in the Trust so that I could be a voice for people with concerns and be able to signpost them to the groups and help that we have to offer. This is a role that I enjoy as it can make such a difference to people. Within 12 months a band 6 post became available in the team. I was successful in my interview and that is where I am now, looking forward to the future.

I am a big advocate for our team and will always speak highly of The Birches and what we do here. I am proud to work for CWPT and in particular this team. I am very happy.”