High flier lands perfect job with babies
Victoria Kinmonth-Gordon’s high-flying career was grounded during the pandemic but the loss of one pair of wings allowed the air hostess to take flight in another direction.
Grounded flight crews put their people skills to good use as part of Project Wingman hosting pop-up hospitality areas in hospitals around the UK.
Victoria was one of the 6,000 cabin crew who took part and decided to stay on at Northwick Park when the skies reopened several months later.
The decision to hang up her wings after 26 years bought Victoria back to nursing which she had originally considered as a career as a teenager.
“A lot of the skills I learnt in the industry were transferable,” says the nursing associate who has spent the past four years working with premature babies in Northwick Park’s Neonatal Unit.”
She had already worked alongside medics in the airline industry including two pilots who were qualified as a cardiologist and GP and midwives and nurses who worked as cabin crew.
Victoria added: “I had a wonderful career with British Airways but absolutely love what I do now. The communications and observational skills I picked up have been invaluable. I’ve always seen myself as a people person so enjoy interacting with the babies and their families.”
The unit’s family integrated care model encourages parents to be involved as possible including helping feed and wash their babies.
“It’s a real privilege and I am so thankful matron initially took me under her wing. The team were curious about me to start with but have all been so supportive that I am now going for my registered nurse degree apprenticeship.”
One of Victoria’s favourite calming techniques for her young patients is to sing Perry Como’s 'A' You're Adorable" but has renamed it "The Alphabet song".
The nurses and parents each pick up a line and sing together on the neonatal unit.
“It works a treat and I would love to do a recording that we could share with other maternity units."