In this episode, Donna interviews Caitlin Maye, a dynamic young nurse specialising in dermatology who has successfully combined her medical expertise with a thriving aesthetics business alongside her mother. Caitlin shares her journey from being a professional dancer to becoming a nurse, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she faced during her training, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation delves into the diverse aspects of dermatology, the importance of holistic approaches to skincare, and the differences between NHS and private practice treatments.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Caitlin has developed a successful nursing career in dermatology, where she works with both adults and children, managing a variety of skin conditions and performing surgeries, including skin cancer removals.

• Alongside her NHS role, Caitlin operates a skin therapy business with her mother, combining their nursing expertise with aesthetic treatments. This hybrid model allows her to explore her passion for skincare while maintaining a stable income.

• Caitlin emphasises the importance of understanding the root causes of skin issues, advocating for a holistic approach that considers factors like stress, diet, and skin barrier health, rather than solely relying on medications that may mask symptoms.

• Caitlin's nursing training occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented significant challenges but also taught her resilience and the importance of providing emotional support to patients during difficult times.

• Recognising the potential for burnout in nursing, Caitlin stresses the importance of maintaining a work-life balance and pursuing additional interests outside of her primary career to ensure long-term job satisfaction and personal well-being.

BEST MOMENTS

"My mum's also a nurse and growing up I've always heard good stories. I've seen her cry, I've seen her laugh. It's a job where you can't really explain it unless you're sort of in that environment."

"Your skin is your largest organ. If that skin barrier is impaired in any way, then you're going to get bacteria in, you're going to have water coming out."

"I always say to patients acne is a bit like a fire. You need to have the bacteria. You need to have the dead skin cells and then you have to have the oil. Have all three, you've got yourself a nice juicy spot."

"You are literally always on a stage, you almost do have to perform and you do, I think, learn to develop that skill of putting on a bit of a show."

"I think there's room for medical and there's room for sort of the cosmetic or the holistic approach to things when it comes to your health in many different ways."

ABOUT THE HOST

Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.

She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.

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Email: Donna@lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk

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This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.