Senior Staff Nurse Tanya Sharpe has worked at The Myton Hospices for 17 years in both our Inpatient Unit and Day Unit!
Can you describe yourself in three words?
Caring, fun loving and a bit annoying (according to my sons!)
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to spend time with my family and friends, I enjoying reading and I love a bit of retail therapy - particularly clothes and make up shopping!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would go to St Helena. It’s a small island in the Atlantic Ocean and is the birth place of my late mother. Historically, it’s well known for being the place where Napoleon was exiled and died.
If you won the lottery, how would you spend it?
I would love to take a champagne trip on the Orient Express. If I just won £2 I’d definitely buy another ticket and try my luck again!
What is a skill you’d like to learn and why?
I’d like to learn British Sign Language (BSL) so I could volunteer as a BSL Counsellor. I previously did Stage 1 for this but need to progress further.
How did you come to work at Myton?
I was asked by a nurse who worked here if I had ever considered working at a hospice. I gave it some thought and in 2002 when a vacancy became available to work on the Inpatient Unit I went for it and was fortunate enough to get the job. I came to the Day Unit on secondment in 2005 and never left!
What does your role entail?
The care and support of the Day Unit patients and their families is my main role, alongside supporting my colleagues and our volunteers. I work with our Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy, Counselling and Clinical Psychology teams who help provide the variety of care and support services on offer to patients who come to the Day Unit.
How would you describe Myton in three words?
Welcoming, peaceful and respectful!
What would you say to someone who was scared to come to Myton?
I’d ask them what it was which is scaring them, allow them to share their fears, and reassure them. I would also invite them to the Day Unit for a cup of tea and let them observe what happens – from the activities to the conversations between patients and volunteers. I think understanding that a hospice is a safe and comfortable place is important and can help allay any fears people have.
We are so lucky to have people like Tanya as part of our dedicated team of staff who make Myton the wonderful place it is.
If you want to be part of what it takes to provide care and support to people with life limiting and terminal illnesses, and their families, take a look at our current vacancies here.
Look at our current vacancies here
Register your interest in volunteering for Myton here
