Andy Steele Profile
Why did you become a Haematology Nurse or what lead to you choosing this path?
I really enjoyed Oncology from the moment I started on the wards as a student, 30 years ago and have specialised in Haematology because the patients always show such determination and resilience in their treatment. It is the most rewarding thing to support someone through the most difficult time of their lives and then see them again 6, 12 months later well and enjoying life
In a few words could you describe one of your typical workdays?
Phone calls, solving problems, planning treatments
Who would you most like to have as a colleague?
I am lucky to work with some of the best people I have ever worked with so no one professionally. (However if they trained up Drew Barrymore or Cameron Diaz would be good!)
What is the most gratifying part of your job?
Solving a problem a patient has and meeting their needs, and the end of a treatment successfully given
What is the least enjoyable part of your job?
The frustration of not being able to resolve issues because of bureaucracy or a lack of services available
What is your personal motto?
I don’t really have one….I guess “Never ask someone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself”
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? … and the worst?
Best: Be yourself.
Worst: Fake it til you make it. (I don’t think you can fake anything well. Better to be who you are and accept your limitations but strive to be better)
When and why were you most scared?
I think I haven’t been scared much at all. Some of the traumas I have been through have been daunting but not scary. I love rollercoasters and thrill rides!
What is your favourite film/book/music?
Film: Aliens
Book Wuthering Heights
Music: Echo and the Bunnymen (alt rock band from UK)
What is the most annoying aspect of modern life?
Intolerance and selfishness
What single item would you save in an emergency and why?
My computer after my wife and dog of course.
Who is your favourite role model or mentor?
I don’t have a role model, I prefer to take qualities from lots of people rather than model myself on one. Everyone has qualities that make them special so I prefer to take certain aspects from many.
When is the last time you laughed out loud and why?
LOL about 2 minutes ago. Because I thought of something funny and told a colleague, realising a) it was a dad joke and b, not that funny. I like to laugh and share…my colleagues would say overshare!
What keeps you awake at night?
Nothing. I sleep like a baby! IF it did I would say society and how little respect we have for each other at times.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
The alarm clock and the rewards of my job.
In a nutshell, describe your personal heaven? … and your personal hell?
Heaven- a white beach, a blue sky and my favourite music on my ipad
Hell- A crowded space with everyone pushing and shoving
What is your Achilles’ heel?
My need to please.
What was your best ever holiday?
Bora Bora and Tahiti for my wedding and honeymoon. In fact any holiday with my wife. We holiday well together.
What title would you put on your autobiography?
The BFG-(you make up the words)