The round trip from home to work is four hours for clinical nurse specialist Gifty Howusu. There are three hospitals closer to home but, as Gifty said: “You want to work with the best, and the best is here.”
“I like the interaction with patients. It’s very rewarding to see them recovering and getting well."
Gifty joined UCLH in January 2011 as a senior staff nurse, having relocated from Liverpool after eight and a half years of service there. Initially, Gifty worked at the Haematology Oncology Day Care Unit, which was then situated in the Rosenheim Building. In 2012, the centre moved to its current location at the Macmillan Cancer Centre.
In 2018, Gifty transitioned to the inpatient oncology ward, assuming the role of oncology clinical practice facilitator. In this capacity, she worked closely with ward nurses, providing support to newly qualified colleagues and helping them bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice. Gifty also worked with internationally recruited nurses, assisting them in preparing for their OSCEs to obtain their NMC registration. Gifty said, "Seeing these nurses thrive in their respective fields brings me immense joy and pride."
Gifty has held the position of clinical nurse specialist in sarcoma since 2020. Throughout this time, she has established herself as an expert in the field, offering support to patients and their families with complex needs during their treatment journey.
To further enhance her knowledge and clinical skills, Gifty is currently pursuing an MSc in advanced clinical practice in cancer care. This programme allows her to engage in research, develop strategic skills through service development, and undertake a work-based project. Gifty said, "My goal is to continue delivering exceptional care to my patients and to inspire and support young colleagues within the trust. I want them to recognise the abundant opportunities available and understand that hard work can propel them to any level they aspire to achieve."
Gifty moved to the UK in 2003 after qualifying and working in Ghana. At first she worked in Liverpool and then applied to work in London. She had interviews lined up at three hospitals, the first with University College Hospital. Once she was offered the job, she didn’t try out the others. And she’s never regretted it.
"Despite what some might consider an arduous daily commute, I firmly believe that UCLH is the ideal place for those who want to work with the best."
From the expression on Gifty’s face as she walks back to see her patients, that doesn’t look like any time soon.
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