Specialist Nurse, Erica, tells you all about her role for Rare Disease Day

Today is Rare Disease Day and we are introducing you to Paediatric Endocrine Clinical Nurse, Erica.

As an Endocrine Clinical Nurse in the paediatrics department, Erica is there to provide support to endocrine patients. “This is a brand new role in the paediatrics department, providing support to the patients and their families, whether this is on the phone or home visits,” explains Erica. “As part of my role, I'm also responsible for teaching staff on the wards about appropriate treatment of endocrine patients.”

The endocrine system includes all the glands in the body that make hormones.. Endocrine disease means one’s endocrine system isn’t working properly and can result in various health issues, including - problems developing during puberty, problems getting pregnant, and difficulties managing stress. Sometimes weight gain can occur amongst other challenging symptoms.

Erica took up the position at the end of August and she has especially enjoyed the challenges and opportunities inherent in the role. “I’ve always wanted to work in a specialised role ever since I began my nursing training at Great Ormond Street Hospital back in 1998. I like to know a lot about one subject.”

Erica qualified as a nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital in 2001. She moved to Portsmouth and took up a nursing role at QA Hospital in 2003 where she worked on the paediatric wards for six years, before moving to community work. “When I saw the specialised role of an endocrine nurse come up, I just knew I had to apply for it as I’ve always wanted to take up a specialised role, and being back working in the hospital has made it that bit better!”

Erica says it’s lovely seeing all the familiar friendly faces she worked with early in her career: “Everyone is lovely here, from my colleagues, to the consultants I work closely with. Erica still has a lot to learn but says it’s great to try something different.