Catrina becomes one of the UK's youngest senior sisters

As a NHS trust continues its recruitment drive, one of its nurses has become one of the UK’s youngest senior sisters.

Southport and Ormskirk NHS Hospital Trust stages its next nurse recruitment event on Monday 10 October.

The Trust hopes to employ top class nurses like Catrina Dickens (pictured).

At 24 she runs a trauma ward at Southport hospital.

Just three years ago she was a trainee nurse studying at Edge Hill University where she gained a first class degree.

Catrina started working for the Trust in October 2013 as a staff nurse and has been promoted twice based on performance and ability.

She has responsibility for 35 staff and manages a busy 30-bed ward which cares for trauma injury patients.

Catrina, originally from Flintshire, North Wales, said: “Being a ward manager and senior sister is a big challenge but it’s something I love.

“This is a great place to work. The hospital is small enough to have a community feel, but busy enough to be exciting and challenging. The training and support given to me has been fantastic. The Trust is a place where you can thrive and develop.”

Catrina’s rapid rise through the ranks comes as no surprise to her colleagues who have been impressed by her dedication and drive.

Carol Fowler, acting deputy director of nursing, said: “Catrina has been recognized for her skills and abilities and has got this promotion on her own merits. This reflects the Trust environment for talented nurses to develop.”

The Trust embarked on a nurse recruitment campaign over summer. Vacancies exist across acute, community, surgical and medical nursing disciplines.

More details about vacancies here: http://jobs.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/

The next recruitment event for nurses takes place on 10 October at Southport Hospital from 3.30-7.30pm.

Candidates who complete an online application form could be invited for interview at the recruitment event.

Applications close on the 5 October and interview times will be confirmed by 7 October.

Carol added: "We are keen to meet nursing students, qualified nurses and those returning to the profession, from across the region and beyond who are interested in a career in nursing at Southport and Ormskirk hospitals.

"At the recruitment event you will be able to find out more about the Trust and chat to nurses already working for us.”

Details for nurses returning to the profession available here: https://hee.nhs.uk/our-work/attracting-recruiting/come-back-nursing