After graduating I was surprised by how prepared I felt to begin my qualified nursing journey
What made you want to work in healthcare, and was there a reason you decided to train as a nurse specifically?
“I was caring for my dad who had been diagnosed with primary bowel cancer and liver metastasis in 2017, and he was under the care of Rotherham Hospice and the district nurses. I watched how they cared for my dad with such empathy and professionalism and I couldn't help but admire their clinical and non-clinical nursing skills. My dad's sister - who was a midwife at the time - saw me tending to my dad one day and she told me I'd make a great nurse and wondered if I'd ever considered it. The rest, as they say, is history!”
Did the idea of being a male nurse in a largely female profession influence your decision at all?
“If I'm completely honest, yes, I think me being a dedicated man who was passionate about the care we provide to both men and women was a huge influence in my decision to train as a nurse.
“I think the whole stigma around nurses having to categorically be female has to change, so both men and women have a diverse nursing population to help care for their needs. Even now after almost two years as a qualified nurse, I am currently the only male nurse within my team at St Luke's Hospice. There are other men within the hospice but none who are palliative care community nurses.”
What drew you to the course at the University of Sheffield in particular?
“The adult nursing course at the University of Sheffield appealed to me because at the time I lived down the road opposite Endcliffe Park, so I knew the commute would be within walking distance so I'd save money on petrol, bus fares, etc.
“Additionally, at the university open day, I met Andrea Fox, the most passionate and friendly lecturer ever, which made me really excited for the course. This reflects the experience I had on the course itself; I found so many staff members a breeze to approach when I needed help with a placement or an assignment, for example.”
What knowledge and skills did you develop during the course?
“Whilst studying as an adult nurse for three years, I developed my academic writing skills with the help from the 301 Academic Skills Centre and their regular study sessions, which I could book around my lectures and placements.
“I also gained the skills needed to be a qualified nurse, and after graduating I was surprised by how prepared I felt to begin my qualified nursing journey.”
What area of nursing are you working in now?
“After I qualified, I worked for 14 months as a staff nurse on the inpatient centre (ward) at St Luke's Hospice where I learnt the fundamentals of being a fully fledged nurse.
“However, I always had my heart set on working as a palliative care nurse out in the community, visiting patients in their own home, who are living with a life-limiting illness, and assessing their symptoms. After a successful internal interview, I successfully earnt my place within the community team at St Luke's Hospice.
I absolutely love my job. As a community palliative care nurse, spending quality time with my patients, making memories for them and their loved ones, and creating special moments is what makes me passionate about nursing.
Elliot Stonehouse
Community Nurse, St Luke's Hospice
Is there any particular advice you’d offer to students interested in starting, or about to start, a career in nursing?
“To any men in particular who are aspiring to be a nurse, please do not be put off by thinking you can't have a happy, successful career as a male nurse. This is simply untrue! I have met and worked with many different male nurses, each having unique personalities, traits, and skill-sets. And you could be the next!”