A Conversation With... Mrs Claire Morais

To mark International Nurses Day (Friday 12 May), we caught up with our very own in Claire Morais who is one of our College nurses here at Shiplake! With over 20 years in the industry, find out more about what inspired her to pursue a career in nursing, as well as how working in a school environment is different to working in a hospital. 

What is your role and how long have you been at Shiplake College?  

I am a school nurse and work in the Medical Wing. I have been here at Shiplake for almost three years now.  

What were you doing before Shiplake?  

I have been a nurse for over 20 years and in my last NHS role, I was working at King's College Hospital in London as a ward manager and then a matron in specialties such as orthopaedics, general surgery and neurosurgery. 

What is a day in the life like for you at the College?  

No two days are the same, as we get pupils (and staff) coming in for all sorts of ailments and (mostly) sporting injuries. We also run GP clinics for the boarders twice a week as well. We dispense prescription medications in addition to home remedies for those who need them during the school day.

We also provide emergency care and treatment to those who need it and are responsible for first aid provision around the school with the assistance of each department.  

How does working at a school differ to working in a clinic/hospital environment?  

It’s very different. In a hospital, patients are usually quite unwell medically and are needing specialist treatment and even surgery and intensive care. At school, the minor injuries we get are usually treated by us in the Medical Wing and with cases that are more serious, such as injuries or illnesses, are seen by the GP or sent to hospital. Occasionally, we have had to call an ambulance for urgent assistance!  

What inspired you to pursue a career in the nursing field?  

I have always wanted to work in the caring profession and I wanted to make a difference by helping to make patients' lives better.  

The theme for this year's International Nurses Day is 'Our Nurses, Our Future'; what is your vision for nursing in the future?  

I do feel that the nursing profession is going through a difficult time with our government under appreciating the role and contribution of nurses in healthcare settings. I still have lots of friends working in the NHS who are disillusioned and feel that striking was the last option. I do hope that in the future, nurses are appreciated more and are recognised as valuable assets in all healthcare settings.  

What do you do away from work?  

With a busy home life, when I do have some time, I love to run and bake.