#NewProfilePic for February 2023
01 February 2023 - Every month, a different member of staff will be our #NewProfilePic on social media
Our new staff profile for February 2023 is Connie Russell, Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) at the Princess Royal University Hospital.
Connie has been working with King’s since qualifying as a nurse in 2009. During that time, she worked in various roles before becoming an ERAS CNS in 2014. She said: “I like working here because the people make it a great place to work.”
“The majority of my patients are cancer patients. I meet the patient and their relatives before major colorectal surgery. The discussion will involve the the support I can provide after their operation and envisaged benefits, as well as setting out the expectations before, during and after the surgery. I always try to provide clear specific instructions about their mobilisation and daily goals.”
What makes your role special to you and the patients you care for?
“My role is pivotal in supporting patients after an operation, as well as liaising with the consultants and the multidisciplinary team. I am able to build relationships with my patients and their relatives to create a better experience for all. I also encourage them to take an active role in their own recovery by working towards their goals. They are surprised and delighted at being up and about so soon after major surgery, which is lovely to see and professionally rewarding. strongly feel this role has helped me to develop both personally and professionally and I have benefitted greatly from it.”
Do you have memorable moments in your role?
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my nursing career is supporting my patients and their relatives at a vulnerable point in their lives. We touch people without touching them. We touch them with our smiles, our words and our encouragement. I’m sure everyone would agree that this job feels the most rewarding when patients express how grateful they are for all the care they have received from the whole team. In particular, one patient was so grateful that he offered to give me money to show his appreciation. I told him that it was against our Trust policy, so he sent a handwritten letter to the Chief Executive to express his gratitude.”