Today, on International Nurses’ Day, we celebrate the remarkable contribution of our incredible nursing staff across Hampshire Hospitals.
Meet Mark, one of our amazing nurses in the Emergency Department at Basingstoke Hospital and winner of the “Impact on Care or Making a Difference” award at the Chief Nursing Awards 2025.
With nearly 17 years of nursing experience, Mark has dedicated the majority of his career to working in the Emergency Department.
- Who or what inspired you to become a nurse?
I was drawn to nursing because it offered the opportunity for a secure and rewarding career.
- What keeps you passionate about it?
I'm not the type of person who talks a lot about emotions, but I care deeply about doing my job well and making sure patients feels safe and properly cared for. I find fulfilment in being dependable, working with a team, and knowing even small actions can make a difficult situation better for someone.
- How do you manage the pressure and fast pace of emergency care?
I believe that strong clinical oversight, forward planning and effective prioritisation are always the key. Building positive relationships with colleagues is also incredibly important, as working alongside trusted and capable professionals helps the department run more smoothly and efficiently, even during the busiest times. No one survives an ED shift alone - it takes teamwork and people willing to step in for each other without hesitation. Every shift can be stressful and unpredictable, but what keeps us going is knowing we always have each other's backs.
- What are the most rewarding moments you experience when supporting patients and their families?
Even small moments, such as a patient or relative taking the time to say thank you, can mean a great deal and remind you that your work has had a real impact on someone's experience.
- What advice you would give for someone considering a career in nursing today?
My advice to anyone considering a career in nursing would be to approach it with an open mind. Nursing today is very diverse and evolving profession, with opportunities across many different areas including emergency care, research, governance, specialist roles, etc. There are many different career paths available, so it is important to stay open to learning and development. I would say that resilience and adaptability are essential qualities, as healthcare is constantly changing and evolving.
