Thirty-two year old Sean Marshall-Kellie joined the Trust in 2010 as a student nurse, qualifying in 2013. Sean has always had a natural passion for urology after working in the department as a student, but has worked in various roles in the Trust.
Since 2018, Sean has been the clinical nurse specialist for stone disease, the first role of its kind in the region. A large part of the role as Sean describes, is putting patients at ease who are often scared, a technique that he has mastered over the years.
Tell us a little bit about your role, what does it entail?
I am the clinical nurse specialist for stone disease and the nurse lead for the urology stone centre and in that role I do an awful lot of things. I see patients who have presented at A&E with newly diagnosed stones, I perform lipotripsy treatment on patients to break up stones and remove stents from people who have had stone removal surgery. I also receive referrals from other hospitals in the region, and plant and coordinating patient’s care.
I have a massive personality and relaxed attitude to things. I am often doing very intimate procedures on people, so it is important to put people at ease. I am able to have a laugh and distract the patient. I make fun of myself and I use that as a technique. I always say to people, “If I don’t look scared, you don’t have a reason to be scared”.
How long have you worked at the Trust / when did you qualify?
I initially started working for the Trust in 2010. As a newly qualified nurse, I wanted to work in the area of urology, but there wasn’t an opportunity available for me at that time. From then, I have worked in various different departments including orthopaedics, intensive care, trauma – I was also a manager in older people’s medicine.
I saw a senior nursing post advertised to create and set up a new service in urology. I decided to grab the opportunity by the horns and apply and I was excited to accept the challenge.
What are your interests outside of work?
I am very into keeping fit and maintaining positive mind, body and wellbeing. I enjoy bouldering, climbing and open swimming in the sea. I also love to socialise with friends – have fun – you know, pub quizzes and that.
What would you say to someone who is interested in progressing a similar career?
I think if you have a natural passion to care for people, you should absolutely pursue a career in nursing. It is a very privileged job. We get to see people at their absolute worst, and we get to see people at their best. There is no other job like it where you get to do that.
We have the privilege of caring for people’s loved ones and providing comfort during their greatest need. We are often the interpreters of complex medical conditions to the patient and families – we are chief hand holders.
How did you find filming?
Filming was very good fun – I really enjoyed it. It was a welcomed distraction, as it quite a difficult period of time. Here in Newcastle we have ground-breaking treatments and technologies, and we don’t scream about it. We do a lot and it will be good to show off this fantastic work.
