To celebrate the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, we asked a selection of staff who exemplify the key qualities of a nurse/midwife to write a ‘postcard to their younger self’ and offer insight and advice. Andrew Nixon, Nurse Unit Manager, Ward 5, had this to say to his younger self:

“Be patient.

You will make many decisions throughout your life which will have far-reaching implications for you and the people you love. Some of those decisions will be mistakes. The mistakes will help make you who you are, even the couple of years you will spend in the Police Force in the UK will ultimately make you a better nurse.

Be kind.

Tell the people that you care about that you love them. Always remember family is everything. When you emigrate, phone your parents and your sisters more often than you may be inclined to. Believe me, you will regret not being in contact as often as you should when your parents die.

You and your wife will survive having premmie triplets on the other side of the world from your families, with the help and support of friends and volunteers. It will be exhausting and stressful and then, gradually, fulfilling and ultimately you will be the proud father of three kind, generous adults.

Your career will take a variety of twists and turns, in a number of settings, but you will always find fulfilment and enjoy the variety of challenges each role brings.

Also, you may want to plan your 30th wedding anniversary trip to Europe in 2020 a few months earlier. Trust me on that one!”