International Nurse Day is an annual event that is celebrated around the world on 12 May – the birthdate of the founder of modern nursing, none other than ‘The Lady with the Lamp’ Florence Nightingale (1820-1910).
RAF High Wycombe has a thriving nursing team. To celebrate the brilliant work that our nurses do on this special day, Cpl Davidson, who works at the on-site dental practice, agreed to tell us about life as a dental nurse.
After joining the RAF aged 21, the effervescent nursing professional was first posted to RAF Honington followed by a detachment to RAF Valley. After a tour of the Falklands and promotion to Cpl, she moved to RAF High Wycombe and into practice management. As she has kept up her General Dental Council Registration, she still likes to practise practical nursing when required.
So, why nursing?
“I had always wanted to do something that involved helping people. Adult nursing appealed, but not working in a medical centre as I am not a fan of blood!” said Cpl Davidson with a chuckle. “But with dental nursing being teeth based I found this more appealing. I work shadowed at my local dental centre in Jedburgh, Scottish Borders and found it fascinating.”
As a result, the committed student started her studies to be a dental nurse at Edinburgh College.
“When I started to learn about teeth my interest was really fired up. I found that it is not all textbook – anything can happen with teeth and that makes it very exciting.”
Her two-year training course was intensive; with year one covering infection prevention control, anatomy, radiography, learning the Caldicott Principles (Quality & Standards in healthcare), caring for patients, health and safety, mixing materials and assembling kits for dentists to use. The second year involved part time at college with the remainder doing practical work experiences before sitting final exams.
What made you join the military?
“I never realised you could be a dental nurse in the RAF!” said the shocked Cpl. “I was working with a dental hygienist at my placement who used to be in the RAF herself. She gave me the idea. Her experiences travelling the country, then the world sounded great – especially to someone who came from a small town. After going to the careers office and getting fit, I have never looked back.”
What for you is the best part of the job?
“The most satisfaction I experience is when we can allay the fears of nervous patients. For many, they are put off by childhood experiences where they were pinned down in a chair and told that if it is painful, to just get on with it. It is a bad memory for so many. Now we have pain free dentistry. I have seen so many people come through the other side and are now more confident about coming back for treatment.”
Do you have any tricks to help nervous patients?
“I give them time and the feeling that a trip to the dentist does not need to be rushed. They are in control. I like to talk through what is going to happen. Sometimes I let them look at the equipment so they can see exactly what is being used. People tend to start relaxing more after that.”
What is the best piece of advice you have been given as a nurse?
“To be confident in my own knowledge. If you see anything that you do not agree with, to not be scared to speak up. We work with our dentists, but you should never feel inferior to them. If they are doing something that is not quite right …to ask if they have double checked this or that or whatever. Safety is the most important thing.”
What advice would you give to someone who wanted to pursue a career in dental nursing?
“A lot have the perception that it is a glamorous job. It is not!” said the Cpl, grinning. “We deal with bodily fluids and smells, so if you cannot deal with this then it is not for you. It is also quite high pressure, fast-paced with a lot of running around.”
What top three qualities do you think make a good nurse?
“A caring nature is paramount, to be compassionate and confidence. You need to be switched on as there is much going on and a lot to remember.”
When you have had a bad day with difficult patients, what do you do to destress?
“I love physical activity – going for a run or a walk. It brings me back down if I have had a stressful day. It releases endorphins and destresses me.”
More information about becoming a dental nurse in the RAF can be found here: RAF Recruitment
