Elizabeth Ruxton – Care Home Nurse

Elizabeth Ruxton is a 33-year-old nurse at Erskine Care Home Bishopton.

She studied a nursing degree at the University of the West of Scotland and completed several placements alongside her course. She enjoyed her first placement at Erskine Care Home so much she decided to apply to work as a nurse there after her degree. She’s been there ever since and enjoys developing strong bonds with the military veterans who live there, and learning new skills every day.

With a curious and caring nature, Elizabeth said she knew she always wanted to be a nurse. She believes any young person thinking about nursing should go for it because of the amount of skills and opportunities it presents.

“I went into studying nursing straight after University. I had no clinical experience delivering care to anyone, but you can learn so much on placements. Every year we did three placements – from care of the elderly, to care in the community, and there were surgical placements and that could be anything from A&E to surgical theatres.

“My first placement was nursing in a care home and it was from that point onwards I decided I wanted to do this. I spent six weeks as a student nurse there and from that one-off placement I knew this was what I wanted to do.

“I hoped to work in the RAF as a nurse, but I have a heart condition, so I didn’t pass the medical test. But working in a care home is probably the closest you can get because I am helping quite a few war veterans.

“I think working in a care home is so underrated. It’s incredible seeing the positive impact you have on people. For some of them, they have no family and staff are like extended family for them. What I love is being able to build relationships with residents. It’s an honour. Some of the veterans we’ve had in here were involved in the camp The Great Escape film is based on. Hearing some of the stories is amazing.

“It’s very varied. It can be both calming and challenging. I could be with someone that might take their last breath. It’s a bit of everything. It’s not just caring for the elderly.

Elizabeth’s advice to anyone considering working in healthcare

“I would tell them just go for it if you are considering it. Join a Nurse Bank and pick up shifts to gain experience.

“And it’s a course that opens up so many different opportunities, you can work in a range of departments, from mental health care to a surgery nurse to care home work.

“I highly recommend it and just go for the practical opportunities when studying because that’s where you really learn.”

Elizabeth shares how in her role she leads by example, delivering quality care to residents at Erskine Care Home.