Meet Jane Bautista – registered nurse, Macmillan Unit (haematology/oncology)
"I’m known for remaining calm under pressure."
I come from a family of nurses. My mum, sister, brother, sister-in-law and husband are all nurses! It took me a while to get where I am now, but it’s all been worth it. After working as a bank healthcare assistant for the Trust for a long time, I started my nursing degree. Studying when my youngest child had just turned one was a challenge!
While training at West Suffolk Hospital under the University of Suffolk, my final placement was with the Macmillan Unit. I knew it was the area I wanted to work in. When chatting to a patient about getting the job on the Macmillan Unit, they said they knew what the team saw in me – compassion.
I think it’s so important to listen to patients – they are the experts in what they’re going through. Once you’ve listened to them, then you can respond with reassurance, support and care. Newly diagnosed patients can understandably be especially anxious, but it is so rewarding to know that you can bring comfort, hope and give useful advice to patients and their families.
Since starting my registered nurse role, there’s been lots of opportunities for me to do further training, such as IV therapy training, intermediate life support, cannulation and phlebotomy training. I work with a really supportive team, and my manager is always looking for ways I can learn new skills and develop as a nurse.
I’ve lived in Bury St. Edmunds since 2003. It’s a lovely town with a friendly and polite community. Since I’ve lived here it’s really changed with lots of new developments.