MY staff stories
Latest stories from colleagues across the Trust.
How volunteering during covid inspired a career in nursing
Olivia is a nurse in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Pinderfields Hospital. She started her journey in healthcare at 16, when she volunteered with the Trust during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She shares her journey below, and how volunteering helped shape the nurse she is today.
What did your volunteer role involve?
I was part of the Hospital Guide Team in Pinderfields, (volunteers in the yellow t-shirts). Initially I helped deliver PPE and newspapers to the wards so that patients had some sense of normality when relatives were unable to visit. As the hospital reopened, my role became more public facing. I helped patients and visitors find their appointments, supported those with mobility difficulties and was always on hand to help wherever needed. We quickly got to know every corner of the hospital and were happy to lend a hand whenever we could.
Alongside volunteering, I took part in work experience opportunities, including a simulation day for aspiring healthcare professionals and shadowing a range of staff. Those experiences gave me a real insight into healthcare and helped shape the career I wanted to pursue. I volunteered for 2.5 years, before leaving to complete my A-levels.
What did you gain from the experience?
Looking back, I gained so much from volunteering, but confidence, communication, teamwork and mentorship have had the biggest impact and are skills I still rely on every day as a nurse. Before I started, I was quite shy, but volunteering brought me out of my shell. Every shift gave me the chance to meet new people, solve problems and support patients and visitors. Over time, my confidence and communication skills grew.
Teamwork was another huge lesson. During COVID, our team was much smaller as many volunteers had to isolate, so we relied heavily on one another. We adapted, supported each other and worked together to make sure patients and visitors still received the help they needed. It showed me that great patient care is always a team effort.
I was also incredibly fortunate to have Richard Holme as my mentor. His kindness, professionalism and support inspired me throughout my time as a volunteer. As I became more experienced, I had the opportunity to mentor newer volunteers myself. That taught me the importance of being a positive role model, something I now carry forward when supporting student and newly qualified nurses.
How has that experience influenced the way you work now?
One of the biggest lessons volunteering taught me is that some of the most meaningful things you can do for someone aren’t always clinical. Taking time to listen, offer reassurance or simply share a smile can have a lasting impact on someone’s experience. I’ve carried that lesson into my role as an ICU nurse. While clinical care is important, I also make a conscious effort to support patients and relatives with warmth, compassion and clear communication. Even on the busiest days, I remember that the little things are often what people remember most.
Volunteering also gave me the confidence to step forward and help. Whether supporting a patient, helping a colleague or speaking up when something isn’t right, I still carry that mindset today.Perhaps the biggest lesson of all is that you don’t have to be in a clinical role to make a difference. Whatever our role within the Trust, we all contribute to providing the very best care for our patients.
In what ways do you feel your background adds value to your role?
I think my background adds value because I experienced the hospital long before I became a nurse. As a volunteer, I learned how important it is to make people feel welcome, reduce their anxiety and take the time to help. As an ICU nurse, I still carry that perspective with me. While clinical care is my priority, I always try to consider the wider journey patients, and their families have been on.
Volunteering also gave me a real appreciation for every member of the team. I know every role makes a difference, and I never underestimate the impact of small acts of kindness.
What would you say to someone who is volunteering or doing work experience and thinking about a future role in the Trust?
If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to make the most of your time. Be curious, ask questions and get involved whenever you can. Volunteering and work experience give you a genuine insight into healthcare and the many different roles within the Trust.
Looking back, volunteering gave me far more than I expected. It built my confidence, introduced me to inspiring people and taught me that you don’t have to be in a clinical role to make a difference. Some of the most meaningful moments came from the simplest things – helping someone who was lost, taking the time to listen or offering a reassuring smile.
Never think you’re “just” a volunteer or “just” on work experience. To the person you’ve helped, your kindness may have meant far more than you realise.
Finally, don’t worry if your career doesn’t follow the path you originally imagined. Mine certainly didn’t. Every experience taught me something and helped shape the nurse I am today. Keep an open mind, keep putting yourself forward and trust that every opportunity is helping you grow. You never know where it might lead.