Isabella Munroe – working as a clinical nurse specialist to support stroke patients
Pursuing a career as a stroke clinical nurse specialist
I have always been eager to learn. I started in respiratory care in 2019 when I first qualified and absolutely loved it. However, the opportunity to progress early in my career led me to the stroke specialty.
I decided to pursue stroke nursing when I realised how fascinating the brain is. There’s always something new to learn, something unexpected, something that makes you think outside the box. I’m glad I made the switch.
A typical day in the Stroke team
There is no ‘typical’ day in the Stroke team—no two days are ever the same. This specialty is never boring!
My days range from follow-up clinics and TIA clinics to supporting students and newly qualified nurses. I also handle front-door activity, including thrombolysis, support ward flow, manage deteriorating patients, and escort blue light transfers for mechanical thrombectomy. You never know what you’re going to get.
Joys of the job
One aspect of my role that excites me is working within a large multi-disciplinary team to support diagnosis, treatment and management plans for patients. Thinking outside the box to provide accurate diagnoses and relevant information to support patients is incredibly rewarding.
My team is amazing! Everyone is so supportive, we all help each other when needed, and nothing is too much trouble. From stroke CNS to stroke assessors, and from consultants to ward teams and therapists, everyone is dedicated and supportive. Not only do I love working within this team, but I am also proud to be a part of it!
One thing that made the stroke CNS role stand out to me was the variety of responsibilities that come with it. I have my own clinical scope of practice when undertaking follow-up clinics, TIA clinics, and triaging new referrals. I also support the stroke assessors with clinical decision-making and the running of the Stroke Assessment Bay. I also have managerial responsibilities, including staffing, staff management, audits, investigations, and service development projects. There is plenty of variety, and that’s why I love it!
The rewards of working at MTW
MTW is a local trust that really supports its employees with career development and wellbeing. Additionally, it is in a local town close to many amenities and not far from the town centre.
I also find it rewarding that MTW hosts one of three hyper-acute stroke services in all of Kent, allowing us to support people from across the county. We have recently refurbished our wards, and the service development within stroke at MTW is always ongoing. Furthermore, we have our own dedicated research team that supports us in carrying out clinical trials to further develop and improve treatments and interventions.
If you have an interest in Stroke care then come and join us! The team is spectacular, and the opportunities are endless.