Sarah Cook

Advanced clinical practitioner on Welland Ward and the Tulip Suite at Johnson Community Hospital, Spalding

On a typical day

My role involves reviewing any patients who are unwell and deciding what treatments they need. I admit and clerk new patient admissions, write discharge summaries for those going home and prescribe any medicines that my patients need. I work closely with our ward GP, who attends three times a week, and we complete a weekly ward round together reviewing all the patients. I am responsible for ordering and checking blood results and following up any other test results that are needed.

What inspired you to go into nursing? What would you say to a young person interested in a career in nursing and midwifery?

I wanted to be a nurse from a very early age and always felt it was the right path for me. I wanted a job that allowed me to care for and meet a wide range of people. I wanted to have a job I knew I could progress in, and one that had a wide array of career opportunities. I would definitely encourage people to consider nursing as a career. It is hard work and brings daily challenges, but it’s a decision I do not regret. Nursing is not just a job, it’s a passion and career!

I hope that along the way I have made a difference to many patients and their families, when they are often going through one of the most stressful and challenging periods in their lives.

Tell us your funniest or most memorable moment

When I worked in a cardiac ward during one football World Cup, I found I had such a high incidence of chest pain and GTN use (a spray to relieve angina pain) during one particular England game that I had to be strict and switch all the televisions off! 

The most memorable time was when I was working in London at the time of the London terror attacks. It was a stressful few days but everyone really pulled together and there was great community spirit.