The sixth participant of #TeamReproMed series comes from our clinic in Galway. Ciana Moorcroft is part of our incredible nursing team and is with us since 2013. Learn more about her journey as a nurse in both London & Galway and her contributions to our team in the blog below. 

Tell us a little about yourself.

I first completed my General Nursing Degree in 2007. Working as a nurse, you have the chance to make a real difference to the lives of others.

Although I was born in Galway, both my parents are originally from London. So, once I completed a higher diploma in Midwifery in 2010, I accepted a post working in a busy maternity department in Kingston NHS trust. London offered an amazing experience. There was such a great opportunity to meet and work with really enthusiastic health care professionals who supported me to become the nurse I am today.

I have now been working as a fertility nurse with ReproMed Galway since 2013. As a nurse, we are always challenging ourselves to develop new skills which essentially helps us deliver better care to our patients. 

The support we provide for our patients is so valuable and really does make a difference to their journey. It’s exciting to be part of a team that is always growing and accepting new challenges that ultimately improves standards of care and best outcomes for patients.

How did you find yourself working in the field of fertility?

I have always had a specific interest in women’s health, which would incorporate the wider family circle. Promoting health and building relationships with my patients has always been a very important aspect of my work. Many couples I cared for in maternity had needed fertility treatment to achieve a pregnancy and I was interested in gaining more knowledge in this field, in order to provide continued support to the couples I would meet. 

While researching the role of a fertility nurse, I applied for a position I saw advertised for ReproMed Galway. I applied and seven years on, I’m still here! 

How does your role support patients?

A huge part of my role is supporting patients before and throughout their fertility journey. Teamwork is essential. We work closely with our Doctors, Embryologists and Secretarial team in order to co-ordinate treatment plans and optimise patients care.

Providing information relevant to each patient to help them understand each step is helpful. If they understand a procedure better, it may not seem as daunting as they originally had anticipated. 

Taking time to listen to a patient’s concerns can really support a patient through a potentially stressful time.

When might someone meet you on their treatment journey?

Patients will meet me at their ultrasound appointments, or they may need to get in touch with me before or during their treatment if they have any questions or concerns. I can provide information and hopefully some reassurance.

I work as a link nurse for our Egg donation patients and also women who have decided to freeze their eggs.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

There are many aspects I enjoy in my job, but being able to support patients through their fertility journey can be very rewarding. There aren’t too many nursing roles where you get the opportunity to be there for your patients one on one. It is good to be able to provide continuity of care and the patients do get to know us as they are coming through for treatment. 

A successful outcome is always exciting news. Unfortunately, fertility treatment does not hold 100% success rates. It is heart-breaking when it doesn’t work out.  But saying that, it reassures me when a patient says they feel everything that could have been done was done regardless of the outcome.

Thanks Ciana! We are sure that all our Galway patients will be truly happy to learn a little more about you, as we did! 

What about you? Who do you think will be the next staff member to star in our blog? Leave a comment on any of our Social Media channels if you want to suggest our next interviewee and click on the following links to read the first, second, third, fourth and fifth episodes of the series.