AN additional 60 paediatric nursing staff have joined the team at the Royal Hospital for Children.

The new recruits have recently finished their training and are now ready to put their training to good use.

At a special ceremony the, now fully qualified nurses, received their final certificates from Margaret McGuire, NHSGGC’s Nurse Director, and Jennifer Rodgers, the RHC’s Chief Nurse.

Twenty two year old Sinead McLean is joining the team at the RHC in the neonatal intensive care unit and is really excited to join the team over the next couple of weeks.

Originally from County Down she now lives in Glasgow and has gained a Bachelor of Nursing in Child Health.

Sinead said: “I have always wanted to works with children and the nursing idea came second.

“When a child is in hospital, it is a worrying time for them and their family – fear, worry, crisis even. To be there for them and to help and show kindness is a privilege.

“The neonatal ward is such an intense environment. Nobody wants to be there. It’s an opportunity for me to be there for the whole family, not just the babies and make their time there a little easier

“Finally, after three years of study and hard work I am starting work. The induction has been a great way of getting me prepared for that. It’s been good to get an overview of the Board, its size and complexity. No other boards I am aware of have such thorough inductions. They have really invested in us.

“The induction lasts four weeks and covers clinical skills, child protection, infection control, job opportunities, orientation of the site and many other areas.

“My dad is originally from Glasgow, so it’s nice for me to ‘come back’. He is delighted I am here and won’t need an excuse to visit. Apparently I am picking up the accent too.”

Margaret McGuire, Nurses Director added: “We are delighted to welcome 60 new paediatric nurses to our staff at the RHC.

“Having just qualified they have all spent a number of week going through our rigorous induction programme and over the next few weeks will join their colleagues on the job.

“I wish them all well and hope that working with us is both fulfilling and rewarding.”