Vicks Campion

Senior Nursing Sister

Life before the Dragon:

I first trained and qualified as a professional nanny at Norland’s in Denford Park and subsequently looked after a number of children in London, all of whom I am still in touch with to this day! I then went on to train as a general nurse at St. Thomas’s Hospital in London and became a “Nightingale”. After working in the Trauma unit for several years I headed off to Zimbabwe to specialise in pre-hospital care and was awarded wings as a Flight nurse working for the Medical Air Rescue Service. My nursing skills grew dramatically during this time as I delivered babies by candle-light in rural areas and helped save the lives of those attacked and injured during the farm invasions. I was then lucky enough to be offered a job at the Dragon and I flew home to start work in 2002. I’m still here almost 10 years later.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I feel that my role is one of the best in the school. It allows me to have contact with the whole Dragon community, including teachers, support staff, domestic staff, parents and of course all the children themselves. I also work closely with our Pre-Prep: Lynams. I have looked after many Dragons through the years and love being able to make someone, big or small, feel a little better. No day is ever the same and I’m always kept on my toes!

What's special about the Dragon?

The Dragon community is unique. It is a large family with a huge heart that welcomes all. The children skip and run to lessons and are bright and animated when they interact with each other and with staff. I love the way old-fashioned games such as marbles and chess are played with such enthusiasm. Children appear in the Health Centre with their pockets heavy with marbles ready for their next game. Often children can be seen walking from lesson to lesson with their nose firmly in a book, gripped by the story they are reading. The children, nurtured by the Dragon ethos, help lead us through our days here with their positive, happy attitude to life.

Passions

Ultimately, my passion is my family, watching my daughter grow and blossom. I am also a great animal lover, but during a working term my life tends to revolve around the Dragon. During the holidays I do my best to head back to my beloved Africa or out west to Cornwall to spend time with family and friends.