Why I value my time as a trustee
In 2018 I attended my first BAUN conference in Bournemouth as a junior CNS, where I presented my work on intravesical training for ward nurses. As this was my first experience presenting, I was exteremely nervous, however the support and encouragement from the trustees helped enormously, when I came off stage, I wanted to do it all over again. I also WON best oral presentation!
Becoming a BAUN trustee has been an ambition of mine since that first conference, finally in January 2025 I joined as a co-opted trustee. Joining BAUN has afforded me the opportunity to to work alongside some inspirational urology nurses, who are supporting my development working for a charity, something I had no prior experience in. I am hoping to continue my journey and becoming a full trustee.
Why I have a passion for urology
My passion for urology nursing started when I took my first staff nurse post on a busy surgical ward at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. I enjoyed the diveristy of conditions and opportunities for development, within the large urology department. I could not imagine working in any other speciality.
Specialising in urological cancer care and working predominantly with bladder cancer patients allows me to offer compassionate care during such challenging times. I am dedicated to improving the care for our patients.
Biography
On qualifying from Northumbria University, with an advanced diploma in Adult Nursing studies in 2012, Laura’s first nursing post was as a Staff Nurse on a Urology ward at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, which allowed her to gain an understanding of a range of urological conditions. In 2016 Laura became a Band 6 Clinical Nurse Specialist in the bladder cancer team, administering intravesical treatment both in the hospital and community setting, which is where her passion for bladder cancer originated.
In 2016 Laura returned to Northumbria University, where she achieved a degree in practice development. In 2021 Laura took the opportunity to progress to a Band 7 with a dual role, supporting patient with prostate cancer and becoming the Lead Haematuria CNS, a role that allowed her to develop the service into the straight to test service it is today.
Despite enjoying working in prostate cancer, Laura’s passion for bladder cancer continued and in 2022 she rejoined the bladder cancer team, specialising in the treatment and management of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.
Currently Laura supports patients with muscle invasive and advanced bladder cancer as well as continuing to lead the haematuria service. She is currently working on pathway development to reduce delays and ensure timely treatment.
With a keen interest in service improvement, Laura has been able to make a number of service developments during her time as a specialist nurse to improve patient care and experience, including the introduction of intra-operative chemotherapy post TURBT, intravesical training for ward, theatre and recovery teams, the implementation of the straight to test service.
As a current co-opted Trustee of BAUN and member of the European Association of Urology Nurses (EAUN) Bladder Cancer Specialist Interest Group (SIG) Laura hopes to continue to support high quality patient care.