A Day in the Life of a Clinical Nurse Manager - CHI at Crumlin Vascular service

My name is Renu Joseph, and I’m a Clinical Nurse Manager at Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin's Vascular service. Every day is different here, but one thing never changes the privilege of caring for children and supporting their families. Here’s what a typical day looks like for me.

Starting the Morning

My day always begins with prayer.
I thank God that I’m able to get up and start another day, and I pray for the world especially for the children in our hospital. It gives me peace and helps me centre myself before a busy shift.

Arrival and Getting Ready

I’m usually the first person to arrive in the department.
I change into my uniform, open up all the rooms and make sure everything is ready for the day ahead. Then I check my emails and catch up with my colleagues as everyone arrives.

Morning Activity

After our morning huddle, I walk through the department to see how the team is getting on.
I check that staff have their breaks organised, check in on any issues, and make sure the clinic is running smoothly. If there are meetings, I head off to those too, no two mornings are ever the same.

A Midday Break

It can be hard to take breaks together, especially when it’s busy, but I always try to find a moment to catch up with colleagues and friends. Even a short chat can make a big difference in the middle of a hectic day.

Afternoon Activity

Afternoons are often the busiest part of the day.
We focus on seeing all our patients on time, supporting parents, and helping children feel comfortable. Even when there’s pressure, I love taking a few moments to talk with families and make sure they feel heard and supported.

Challenges and Rewards

Like many teams, we face challenges, especially when staffing is tight.
Sometimes we have to say no to families, and that can be heartbreaking.

But the rewards always outweigh the hard moments.
Working with children is amazing. No matter how unwell they are, their smiles and little conversations brighten my day. They inspire me more than they will ever know.

Finishing the Day

Around 4.30pm, I return to the office to check emails one last time and make sure the department has closed safely. I take a moment to reflect on the day before heading home.

Life Outside the Hospital

I don’t have any pets, but I love cooking, it’s my way to relax.
Baking isn’t my strong point, but I enjoy experimenting with different dishes in the kitchen.

Looking Ahead to the New National Children’s Hospital

I’m really looking forward to the move to the new National Children’s Hospital.

I don’t know all the details yet, so I’m excited to see how the new environment will support our team and our patients. What I do know is that it will bring new opportunities to improve our service, and I’m very much looking forward to being part of that future.