Reservist and Nurse Practitioner, Theresa Carroll
I have been a member of the Reserves for 25 years, currently a Sgt in the Royal Army Medical Corps attached to 103 Field Squadron, 71 Engineer Regiment. When I first joined the Reserves, I trained as a Combat Engineer, building bridges, clearing minefields and working with demolitions before retraining as a Combat Medical Technician, which has seen me travel to places such as South Dakota, Ascension Islands and Belize to plan and provide medical cover and to ensure the safety of the soldiers on the ground.
I have been employed by Newcastle Hospitals for 12 years. In my civilian role, I currently work as a Nurse Practitioner in the Newcastle Urgent Care Centres. Every day is different and you never know what your patients will present with making it varied, challenging and constantly evolving, not dissimilar to my military role. My colleagues are supportive and interested in my military experience, which makes me proud to share my skills and knowledge.
I am proud to be a member of The Armed Forces Network and wear my pin badge with pride; this has often initiated conversations with patients with a military background who may not have felt able to share such conversations. I feel the Armed Forces Network has helped to highlight the benefits and transferable skills members of the Armed Forces can bring to a civilian organisation. I am also a married Mum of two Sons, the eldest (23) who is also a member of the Army Reserves and the youngest son (15) is an active member of the Army Cadet Force.
