Jess shares her successful transition from homemaker to an Outpatient Nurse at Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Devizes. Explore how she found a supportive environment for her nursing career.
Jess shares:
“My journey as both a nurse and a homemaker is one that many can relate to: putting a career on hold to support your family. Being a mom is a full-time job that requires passion, time, and commitment, much like nursing. When I had my two children, I happily decided to be a stay-at-home mom to spend some quality time with them, pausing my nursing career, knowing that I could go back to it whenever I was ready to return.
After 11 years, I felt the time was right to reignite my passion for nursing. That’s when I completed a Return to Nursing course at The University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol.
Anyone who has been a nurse knows how daunting it can be to return to the clinical area after a break. For me, it was a baptism of fire—utterly exhausting but thoroughly enjoyable! During the course, I worked in a busy orthopaedic trauma ward at a large hospital. That experience not only reassured me that I had retained the majority of my nursing skills, but it also helped me identify what I needed to develop further as I returned to the workplace
I realised that to truly enjoy my career, I needed to step away from the chaos of a general hospital. I wanted a work environment where I could count on getting a decent break and, believe it or not, simply find a place to park my car without stress.
A friend suggested I explore opportunities at Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre in Devizes. They arranged a tour for me, and I was pleasantly surprised by what I experienced. The staff were incredibly welcoming; the centre was clean and airy. And guess what? I could park my car there for free! It didn’t take me long to decide that this was exactly where I wanted to work.
I immediately applied for the pre-assessment nurse vacancy that was advertised. Although I had never worked as an outpatient nurse before, I saw it as a chance to explore something new in my career. The rest, as they say, is history!
I joined Practice Plus Group in 2015, and from the moment I started, I never looked back. Despite the hectic nature of nursing, the responsibilities here somehow felt more manageable and enjoyable. The nursing team and management are an absolute pleasure to work with. They truly listen to what you have to say.
My role involves ensuring that every patient scheduled for surgery is medically fit to proceed. I conduct baseline observations, take detailed medical histories, and, when necessary, perform blood tests and ECGs. We assess patients for a wide range of procedures, from dental and cataract surgeries to orthopedic, general surgery, ENT, and more. This variety keeps the job engaging, offering something different each day. The work hours are also family-friendly, with no night shifts, Sundays, or bank holidays, which is perfect for me and my family.
If you’re a nurse like me who has taken a career break and is searching for the right environment that supports you professionally, Practice Plus Group is the place to unlock your best work life! I highly recommend their hospitals to anyone returning to nursing. You’ll truly notice the positive difference in the work culture here.”
I am proud of what we have built. A workplace where people feel valued. Where growth is supported. And where patient care always comes first.
