Meet Nicole Crouch, Head of Staff Wellbeing (Mid and South Essex NHSFT)
We had the pleasure of chatting with Nicole about her career in the NHS, what she enjoys eating and her favourite recipe!
Can you tell me about your background and what led you to pursue a career in the NHS?
Having worked privately in Employee Wellbeing, I decided to take the plunge and enter the realms of public healthcare in 2019. I have always been passionate and health & wellbeing, both personally and professionally, and the chance to support the hard-working heroes of the NHS was a dream of mine.
Professional life:
What does a typical day look like for you in your current role?
Very mixed! Could be on-site or from home, could be behind a desk or out in the Trust. No two days are the same, but our ambition to support our MSEFT workforce remains our #1 priority.
What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?
Knowing that you’ve helped someone, no matter how big or small the act.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your role?
Keeping staff wellbeing top of the agenda despite competing priorities.
How do you manage work-life balance given the demands of your job?
I know that to get the best me at work, I need to prioritise my wellbeing. I prioritise my work tasks and ensure I switch off at the end of the day, allowing me to focus on my personal pursuits.
Can you share a memorable experience or patient interaction that had a significant impact on you?
Being part of the NHS during COVID-19 will always be one of my most challenging but proud memories.
How has the NHS changed since you first started working here?
At first, staff wellbeing felt like a tick box exercise that I had to bang on doors to stress its importance. Since COVID-19, every door is open and staff are far more receptive and appreciative of the wellbeing agenda and its offers.
What skills or qualities do you think are essential for success in your field?
Compassion, empathy and passion to make a difference.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in the NHS?
Working in the healthcare industry does not come without its challenges, but it certainly comes with a fulfilling career path.
Food and nutrition:
How do you ensure you maintain a healthy diet despite your busy schedule?
If I eat right, this encourages a number of healthy habits so I make sure to prioritise. I plan as much as I can in advance and ensure I have healthy snacks around and meals prepped for on-site days.
How do you usually plan your meals given your busy schedule?
I pick easy meals to cook (I’m no cook, but I try!) and when I cook, I make enough for leftovers so I can box it up for on-site days.
What kind of meals do you typically eat during your work shifts?
Any leftovers I have boxed up in the fridge. Something that just needs heating up.
Are there any specific foods or snacks you find particularly helpful for sustaining your energy during long shifts?
I just make sure I have balanced meals and healthy snacks in between to keep me going.
Favourite Food?
What’s your favourite dinnertime meal?
Quick and easy Chicken fajita quesadilla!
