Lisa Desbruslais

• Perform clinical assessments autonomously, including catheter management and venepuncture, ensuring high-quality patient care.
• Recognise clinical deterioration signs, then escalate and respond appropriately.
• Conduct rapid home assessments, preventing unnecessary hospital admissions.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to facilitate clear communication and consistent person-centred care. Making appropriate referrals to a variety of different agencies in the community, including Adult Social Care.
• Assess and manage end-of-life symptoms with GPs and palliative specialists.
• Provide compassionate end-of-life and palliative care in patient's homes.

During my 6 years working at QVH, I initially joined on their Bank as an HCA working in the Hand Trauma Unit.

Sept' 2020 I commenced a full time position as an HCA in the Critical Care Unit, during which time I applied for the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship. During this time I also gained experience working on the Burns ward, assisting with major burn dressing changes.

Sept' 2021 I started the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship, based on QVH's surgical wards which is a specialist reconstructive surgery centre for the south east of England, world famous for it's pioneering burns and plastic surgery, including breast surgery, burns, facial palsy, hand surgery, skin cancer and lower limb and general plastics.

Sept' 2023 Worked full-time as a Registered Nurse Degree Apprentice within a specialist Critical Care Unit caring for patients with complex head and neck cancers.

• Provided care for patients with complex head and neck cancers within a specialist Critical Care Unit.
• Assisted with tracheostomy care and airway management.
• Supported the care of ventilated patients.
• Administered enteral nutrition via NG and PEG tubes.
• Safely administered medications in accordance with local policies and procedures.
• Monitored and assessed patients, recognising and escalating signs of deterioration.
• Worked effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver patient-centred care.

Whilst training as an RNDA I opted to work overseas on a placement in Jaipur, India for a month, working in a slum hospital. India was challenging, the poverty, the noise, the craziness, and the lack of structure to my working day. I did miss a warm shower or even water to wash, despite all this India got under my skin and I would return in a heartbeat.

• Maintained responsibility for passenger safety and welfare in a safety-critical environment.
• Handled challenging situations and medical incidents with composure, ensuring passenger safety and well-being during flights.
• Led the First Class cabin team, on long haul flights, coordinating crew and ensuring exceptional service standards.
• Completed annual competency training in emergency procedures, aviation safety, security, and first aid.
• Exhibited leadership and teamwork by effectively coordinating with crew, contributing to seamless service delivery.
• Communicated effectively with passengers from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.
• Worked long and irregular hours, including overnight international flights.
• Consistently upheld the professional standards expected by a leading international airline.

Alongside working part-time for British Airways, I successfully raised three children as a single parent over a 12-year period. Through effective organisation, time management, and dedication, I balanced significant family and professional responsibilities while fostering a strong commitment to education and personal development. I am particularly proud that all three of my children went on to attend university and successfully complete degree-level qualifications. This experience strengthened my resilience, adaptability, leadership, and ability to manage competing priorities, all qualities that continue to support my nursing practice today.