Franciska Németh: “I swapped stilettos for scrubs.”

“I have interviewed musicians and celebrities and done photoshoots for fashion magazines, but I have never felt as cool as I do nowadays when I put on my uniform and scrubs,” says Franciska Németh, who is currently in her third year of her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Semmelweis University in Hungary.

Prior to her bachelor studies, Franciska underwent advanced vocational training in nursing and now works at the paediatric surgery and traumatology department of St John Hospital in Budapest.

“Nothing is more rewarding and exciting than working with young patients in the emergency ward,” says the 34-year-old, who worked in show business before training as a nurse. Franciska first became famous in 2003 for her role in a Hungarian soap opera, and was later the host of a popular music television show.

“After my show business experience, I initially pursued a career in public relations and communications, but I eventually realized that was not the life for me. I wanted to do something worthwhile, meaningful, where I could make a difference to someone’s life,” she explains.

Shaping the experience of patients and their families

“I completed the advanced vocational training to become a nurse and then decided to also pursue a 4-year bachelor’s degree while working. Eventually, I want to do a master’s degree as well. There are numerous career opportunities in nursing, though emergency care is the area I want to work in,” says Franciska.

“Here at the traumatology department, every day is different. Paramedics may call us about a 7-year-old with head trauma or about an adolescent person who has abused drugs. While there is no such thing as a typical shift, I always return home from an adrenaline-packed day feeling profoundly satisfied and accomplished.

“Nobody ever works alone, it is a team effort. We tackle every emergency together, because we place the patient at the centre of our care – a smooth collaboration between professionals is crucial.

“My priority is always to make the patient feel safe. I involve them, explaining clearly what is happening and making sure they understand. The way I communicate has to be age-appropriate, and I offer emotional support when needed. I need to be able to shift and adapt rapidly to patients’ diverse needs several times a day while coordinating with colleagues in a fast-paced setting.

“As a nurse, I have the opportunity and responsibility of shaping the patient experience. When patients are discharged, they come to me and hug me and tell me how much my presence has meant to them – this bond is what I cherish most.”

Inspiring a new generation of nurses

Having been a well known figure in Hungary, Franciska now uses her star power to inspire the new generation of nurses.

“When I decided to become a nurse, people who knew me from my television background were very surprised. I was taken aback by their reaction and curiosity about my choice. After having been approached repeatedly by journalists, I decided to use the opportunity to improve people’s perception of the nursing profession.

“The world is in critical need of more health-care professionals, including nurses, who play an essential role in providing quality care. It is therefore hugely important to inspire new generations to enter the profession. I talk to young people in schools about my own experience and I explain how a nurse’s actions have a positive impact on many people.

“If you like an adrenaline rush and excitement, and also value working with and for people, then nursing in an emergency or trauma unit is the job you should have,” says Franciska.