Supporting our Student Health Visitors, School Nurses, and Student Nurses

Emma talks to us about her experiences as a student Health Visitor and thanks the families that have supported her along the journey.

Hello! My name is Emma. I qualified as a Health Visitor within Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust in September 2022.

A huge thank you to the children and families I have met, for welcoming me, teaching me and being the biggest part of my learning journey.

Why I decided to become a Health Visitor

I qualified as a paediatric nurse in 2016. Following this, I worked on children’s hospital wards. In this time, I developed a particular interest in taking a holistic approach to children’s nursing. I recognised the importance of promoting a child’s healthy social, emotional, and physical development, to enable children to thrive and reach their very best potential. Not only focusing on the medical problem in hand, but the whole child.

What I have been learning

This year I have undertaken further study to become a Health Visitor, learning both at university, and gaining valuable experience on placement within the health visiting team.

I have learnt so much during my training:

• Child development
• Promoting positive attachment
• Minor childhood illness
• Immunisations
• Infant feeding
• Accident prevention
• Family mental health

I have asked lots of questions and gained knowledge from all members of my wonderful team, who have a wealth of experience. No question has been a silly question! I have also had the opportunity to spend time with other organisations in which health visitors work closely alongside, such as midwives and charity organisations.

My training has provided me with some of the knowledge and resources required to offer families up to date, evidenced based information and advice.  I know I will always be learning throughout my career, from children, from families, from colleagues.

Why I love Health Visiting

If you were to ask me one reason why I love health visiting, it is because every day is different.

I feel extremely privileged to be able to work with families locally and build up positive working relationships with those I meet. I hope to be an approachable, friendly and supportive health visitor. I am passionate about how the Healthy Child Programme promotes positive outcomes for families, at such a significant time in children’s lives. Therefore, I will always strive to provide care to the very best of my ability.

Supporting Students

We will always ask your permission to work with our students. We hope you will feel able to help us in their learning.