Rosie’s Story
Rosie was born with a cleft, and her hospital experiences inspired her to train as a nurse so she could help others. She shared her story with us and how grateful she is to her healthcare team.
I grew up in and out of a hospital setting from a young age. Most of which I can’t remember, but the operations, appointments, and meetings I remember are why I want to become a nurse.
The first operation I remembered was in 2007; I was seven and had an alveolar bone graft. I had bone taken from both shins and put into the alveolus (the gum where the teeth sit).
This operation is the furthest back I can recall, and I remember my mum being with me through it all; she came and still comes to every appointment and every operation and has been my rock!
The only thing she can’t do is watch me be put to sleep, so my dad has always done that!
While in the hospital, I used to love it; how weird is that? I was so nosey, I loved seeing what all the other kids were in for, and I always wanted to help the nurses. I was always intrigued by everything they did and was not scared of anything!
I always said, ‘when I grow up, I want to be like you,’ to the lady who used to put the “magic cream” on the back of my hand before putting in the cannula.
I always said, ‘when I grow up, I want to be like you,’ to the lady who used to put the “magic cream” on the back of my hand before putting in the cannula.
First of all, I did want to be a cleft lip and palate nurse, as I felt me having one would have been inspiring for other parents to see, as they can see what a fantastic job the surgeons do.
I have had 22 operations, countless hospital appointments, numerous orthodontist appointments, and meetings with psychologists and speech therapists, and it still hasn’t put me off.
I’m grateful that I have never had a bad experience throughout my journey, and I am eternally thankful to everyone involved.
I owe my surgeons everything; they changed my life and made me the confident and happy person I am today. They probably have no idea their impact on people’s lives, not just me but everyone they help.
So that’s why I want to be a nurse. I want to make the same impact all of those people have made on my life, and I want to help people in their darkest, scariest moments, as they did in mine.
Thank you to Rosie for sharing your story!
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