Suzanne Blakeman, Ward Manager at George Eliot Hospital

Here she shares her story of how here career has grown while being able to also balance her professional and personal life.

"I started working at Walsgrave hospital as a ward clerk while my child was a toddler and just wanted something part time while they were at nursery. I had this role for ten years while my family grew. After a few years and my children were a little older I decided to join the bank as a healthcare assistant this was something I really enjoyed and I asked my manager if I could switch role permanently Successfully becoming a full time healthcare assistant.

After a few months I spoke to practice development when they were on my Ward and they asked if I’d thought about doing my nursing? I hadn’t but the conversation and desire to improve patient care prompted me to accept a secondment offered to me (I already had a degree) I had an interview at Coventry University and started my nurse training 2013.

I qualified after a difficult final year due to family circumstances and went straight to work as a Band 5 registered Nurse on cardiology. After 18 months I applied for band 6 position and got it.

I had this role for two years then decided to join the practice education team, working with student nurses, I decided this wasn’t really for me but I was asked to apply for ward manager on respiratory during the second wave of the pandemic.

I really enjoyed the role but decided I needed a change of environment to continue to develop myself so applied at George Eliot as Ward Manager on Arbury where I have been for two years, I also manage Romola and have opened an extra 9 acute beds. I love my job and I love nursing and am happy to help promote our rewarding career."