When Ann began her training as a State Registered Nurse (SRN) in March 1977, she could never have imagined that nearly five decades later she would still be making a difference in people’s lives.
Now, 49 years on, her passion for care, compassion, and professionalism is still as strong as ever, which has been shown in her role within Kingdom Healthcare for the past 9 years.
“I aim to make a difference for the client by keeping them comfortable and showing compassion.”
For Ann, the most rewarding moments have been the simple ones. “When a patient or relative says ‘thank you’ and you know they really mean it, those are the moments that stay with you.”
Nursing Then and Now
With nearly 50 years of nursing experience, Ann has witnessed huge changes within healthcare.
She believes today’s nursing education is academically strong, but that student nurses used to get more hands-on experience in practice, she says “although when I think back, many things have become safer for both patients and nurses.”
While she recognises how much clinical care and research have improved, Ann also feels nursing today comes with different pressures, particularly around staffing and the psychological demands of the job, which can contribute to burnout.
The Emotional Side of Care
One of the most challenging aspects of nursing, Ann says, is seeing people struggle to live normal lives following injuries, particularly when those injuries were caused by someone else’s actions.
“Often my heart goes out just as much to the family members.”
It’s a reminder that nursing isn’t just clinically demanding but emotionally demanding too.
Advice for Future Nurses
After almost 50 years as a nurse, Ann is still passionate about encouraging others to go into nursing.
Her advice is clear; “complete the degree programme, then specialise in an area that genuinely interests you. Every nurse has a field that suits them best.”
She also hopes to see greater staffing across healthcare services, allowing more clients to be cared for at home where possible, something she feels makes a real difference for both patients and families.
A Legacy of Compassion
Ann’s career tells the story of nursing itself - evolving practices, advancing technology, changing pressures, but one constant remains - Compassion.
Nearly five decades after beginning her training, Ann continues to show kindness, deliver high standards of care, and makes a real difference in the lives of the people she supports every day.
We at Kingdom Healthcare are proud to have Ann part of our team.