Meet Sara Paterson, one of our amazing admiral nurses for the dementia team.
When Sara was around eight years old, her mum began working with people living with dementia. Spending time in the care home alongside her mum inspired Sara’s passion for caring for people with dementia from a young age.
- Who or what inspired you to become a nurse?
I have always said I wanted to be a nurse, but when I was about 8 years old my mum started working with people living with dementia and I would often spend time in the care home where I would often socialise/ do activities and have lunches with them. As I got older and began working in a care home when I finished college and it re-sparked my passion to become a nurse, so I went back to college and then trained at the University of Southampton.
- What keeps you passionate about it?
Seeing all the hard work the Dementia team puts in for those living with dementia, and their loved ones, whilst they are an inpatient and the difference it makes to them.
- What inspired you to specialise in caring for patients with dementia?
I always felt it was rewarding to care for those living with dementia and making differences in their day is what matters. Although it can be difficult at times, I see it as a privilege to support them whilst they are being cared for at Hampshire Hospitals.
- What are the most rewarding moments you experience when supporting patients and their families?
Just to be there for the person living with dementia and their loved ones and having the time to give them support when they need it most.
- What advice you would give to someone considering a career in nursing today
It is not without its challenges but if you have the passion, patience, and kindness to be a nurse then it is worth it- even on the hard days there is always small rewards.
