Inspirational nurse Rebecca Boot works full time as a nurse
in critical care and part time as a Corporal in the Army Reserves 202
Field Hospital. Read her story below...
Rebecca Boot in her role as Corporal
Rebecca Boot is a cardiothoracic nurse at the Queen Elizabeth hospital, Birmingham, she's been there for the past seven years. She is also a Corporal in the Army Reserves 202 Field Hospital. Here, she shares her story. "When people ask me why I became a nurse, my reply is simple: it's because I want to help people. "I look after patients who've had heart attacks, or who have had heart and lung transplants. But that isn't all." The hospital where Rebecca works also has a military ward, it's a tough job, that requires hard work, patience and dedication. "We often look after injured army personnel too. Life as a nurse isn't predictable at all. No two days are the same. "You can be caring for someone who has had a heart attack one moment, or a wounded soldier the next." The key is to be organised and able to adapt yourself to whatever happens, she says. "People might be surprised to think I could find time to join the Army Reserves. But that is just what I did! "I joined the Army Reserves in 2012 and now I can see what a benefit that being with them has brought to my civilian life." Rebecca's dad is a military man, as is her uncle and granddad. "We are a military family and it always appealed to me".
Joining the Army Reserves
Rebecca applied to the Army Reserves in 2012 and was first shocked by the physical part of the selection process. "Back then I was moderately fit and used to go to the gym but I had no idea if I could do all the press ups that were required! "Although the selection process was hard – a one and a half mile run, press-ups and sit ups, I completed them and was accepted. "Soon I was marching while carrying 15kg of weight as well as my weapon."
Leadership skills
Rebecca explains she always wanted to help people. "I knew I could do more and that I could help even more people via the Army Reserves. "In my role as a reservist nurse I've learnt an incredible amount that I can now apply to my 'day' job. "I've
learnt new clinical techniques which I can now bring to my job at the
hospital. I've even become fitter physically myself, which helps a lot! "Earlier
this year I was deployed to Afghanistan for 14 weeks. There, I learnt a
great deal from my colleagues and then brought that back to my civilian
life." "I spent 14 weeks in Camp Bastion before returning home. "Going back home to work, I realised how much my time away had enriched me both professionally and personally. "I'd gained leadership skills which I brought back to my job. "I feel proud that I did that."
Helping as much as I can
"I feel enriched by the experience and feel even more of a
bond to the military aspect of what our hospital does back in the UK –
supporting and caring for our injured servicemen and women both on the
ward and in rehabilitation," Rebecca explains. "I've also learnt
to value what we have here in Britain; our resources and the support
systems and rehabilitation in place after we have treated a patient are
second to none and we should all be so thankful for that." "Joining
the Army Reserves isn't just a weekend pastime to me or 'something to
do' – I did it because I wanted to give something more and to help as
many people as I can. "I still continue to value my place in the
Army Reserve and enjoy the camaraderie in my unit as well as the things I
learn every day." See what Army Reserves are doing right now: army.mod.uk/reserves
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