Cristina Chiusoli: Beginning an NHS Career in the Heart of a Pandemic
When Cristina Chiusoli started working at the Trust in March 2020, the world was already in the grip of a global crisis. As a Band 5 nurse, she quickly found herself navigating the challenges of a healthcare system under immense pressure.
“It was challenging as there was uncertainty about guidelines, also concerns about the spreading of the virus and how to keep ourselves, our patients, and our loved ones safe at home,” Cristina recalled.
Facing the Challenges of a Pandemic
Starting a new role is never easy, but the early days of the pandemic brought additional pressures.
Christina said: "One of the biggest challenges was the staff shortages and having to cover many shifts as some of our colleagues were off sick. We also had a couple of breakouts on the ward, where a number of staff and patients tested positive to the virus.”
The nature of the ward itself made isolation especially difficult for our service users. “Our ward does not have a garden, so it was particularly difficult for some of our patients to isolate in their bedroom without access to fresh air. Also some of our patients, due to their mental state, struggled to understand why they had to stay in their bedrooms, ” she added.
Despite these difficulties, teamwork and support played a crucial role in overcoming them.
Cristina said: “We had support from senior management and the Infection and Control Team, who provided us with guidance during the pandemic. I guess how we came together as a team and worked closely when we were short-staffed made all the difference. Everyone did their bit, and we managed to keep everyone safe.”
Lessons from the Pandemic
The experience of working through such an unprecedented time has left a lasting impact, shaping Cristina’s approach to work, particularly when it comes to balance and organisation.
Cristina said: “I learned the importance of prioritising and looking after my own well-being in challenging times and when overloaded with tasks. Being organised and planning my workload has been key. I also realised how important it is to have clear guidelines that support our day-to-day activities. Most importantly, I learned to work as a team and not take on too much alone, as that can lead to burnout.”
Advice for New Starters
Having experienced first-hand what it’s like to start a career in difficult circumstances, Cristina has valuable advice for those joining the Trust today:
“I would advise new starters to find a good work-life balance, look after their own mental health, and make time for things they love when they are off duty - whether that’s travelling, watching movies, or anything else that helps them unwind. Be flexible, think outside the box, and be a team player. We spend long hours at work, so it is important to create good relationships with colleagues - we often spend more time with them than with our loved ones. Use your annual leave to rest, don’t overwork yourself by taking on too many extra shifts. Make the most of training and development opportunities, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Learning from senior staff is invaluable. And remember - mistakes happen, but they are lessons that help us do better in the future.”
