I am an aspiring Software Developer who is in the process of changing careers away from nursing. In the time that I have been learning software development I have been able to complete two independent projects that make use of a full MERN stack in addition to the work that I have done during my time on the Makers bootcamp. I have always been heavily interested in tech, and am excited by the idea of being able to work in an industry that is constantly adapting and innovating around new technologies.
| Name | Description | Tech/tools |
|---|---|---|
| Gamebook | A group bootcamp project in which we adapted and improved an existing social media codebase. | JavaScript, React, Jest, Cypress, MongoDB, Mongoose, Express, HTML, CSS |
| Connect 4 | A functional command line implementation of the game Connect 4. | Python, Command line |
| TK-Notes | A notes app for the video game Tekken 7, allowing users to make notes in relation to specific in game data. | TypeScript, Express, React, MongoDB, HTML, SCSS, NextJS |
| JSRF Trainer | A training tool for the bingo sub-game of the video game Jet Set Radio Future, providing randomised lists of goals to practise against. | JavaScript, Express, React, MongoDB, HTML, CSS |
University Hospitals Dorset (April 2020 to June 2023)
ICU Staff Nurse
-
Provided high quality, safe and effective care to our patients, including the provision of emergency life support to deteriorating patients in line with current evidence based practise.
-
Developed strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills through assessing patients in a range of chronic and acute conditions.
-
Managed my time effectively to provide a high level of care, whilst also accounting for the ever changing nature of the ICU.
-
Demonstrated a strong resilience when working under pressure, both in times of high patient demand as well as emergency situations to maintain patient safety.
-
Demonstrated a high standard of equipment maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure that I was always able to rely on the necessary tools when providing care.
-
Made extensive use of IT systems regarding record keeping and drug administration to maintain patient records with a high level of detail.
-
Constantly collaborated with members of the multidisciplinary team to account for a patient’s holistic needs.
Colten Care (November 2015 to February 2020)
Healthcare Assistant
-
Worked within a team of other Healthcare Assistants to provide a high standard of personal care to our residents.
-
Collaborated with members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure that our resident’s needs were met beyond their basic care requirements.
ASDA Bournemouth (November 2013 to November 2015) Personal Shopper / Checkout Assistant
- Developed excellent customer service skills through consistent exposure to the public within my workplace.
Communication has been a heavy focus throughout my professional life. As an ICU nurse this manifested when considering both communication with other colleagues, but also with the patients themselves. By utilising effective communication skills I was able to consider not just the input of the multidisciplinary team, but also of the patients and their families to provide them with a high standard of personalised healthcare. Communication was also an essential part of escalating concerns so that they could be addressed as quickly as possible to maintain patient safety. Examples of this include querying with a more senior nurse when unsure about how or why something should be done, or raising the alarm and communicating clearly during an emergency situation. This has made me feel confident in raising issues and queries with coaches when coding, and has allowed me to capitalise on my curiosity and desire to learn more.
Team working was an essential skill in ICU, as although I was usually 1 to 1 with my patient, there were always tasks throughout the day that would require the input and assistance of other nurses. This team working also extended to other members of the multidisciplinary team, allowing us to provide for a patient's holistic care needs as opposed to strictly medical. Some examples of this include pairing up with other nurses in order to reposition our patients safely, or by liaising with Physiotherapists to ensure that the patient would be available for their full physio session. This emphasis on team working extended into the Makers boot camp, as we were regularly engaging in group projects and pair programming throughout our curriculum.
Troubleshooting in ICU nursing was a regular skill that we employed on a daily basis. Firstly we would be responsible for ensuring that all of the equipment around our bed space was working correctly, and if it wasn't we would have to troubleshoot the equipment to establish why. An example of this is that during an emergency situation we found that our in-line suction wasn't working, but through me troubleshooting the situation and addressing the issue with our equipment we were still able to save the patient. This emphasis on troubleshooting also extended into anatomy and physiology, as I was frequently required to assess a patient and consider the potential underlying causes for their current presentation. An example of this comes in the form of a patient's blood pressure, as there are many different factors that can influence a low blood pressure with each one requiring a different treatment to address. This skill has been incredibly useful in software development so far as it has prepared me for troubleshooting and debugging code with a methodical and logical approach.
The ICU was a very volatile workplace that could change completely over the course of the day. This has led me to develop my adaptive time keeping skills, as I frequently had to remain flexible to the changes in the unit. I was also frequently exposed to high pressure medical emergencies such as cardiac arrests, and have developed the ability to think clearly and remain calm during these in order to focus on the task at hand.
-
Developed a proficiency with Python in addition to reinforcing my JavaScript skills.
-
Developed a core understanding of object-oriented design.
-
Expanded my knowledge of test-driven development through thorough implementation of unit, integration and end to end tests.
-
Followed agile methodologies within our group projects through the use of stand-ups, sprints and retros.
-
Gained ample experience with pair programming and collaborative working, making use of models such as the driver navigator method.
-
Bsc Adult Nursing
-
2:1 with honours
-
Whilst studying at Bournemouth I was the Vice President of the BU Gaming Society
-
BA Audio & Music Production
-
2:1 with honours
-
Whilst studying at Bucks I joined a band in my spare time and we recorded an EP together using the university facilities.
-
I have always been into gaming and currently travel to various locations for tournaments. I have also participated in a number of large charity gaming events that were streamed live in front of thousands of people!
-
I have played music since I was 9 and can play three instruments, Saxophone, Guitar and Bass Guitar.