Looking around my front room, my eyes fall upon my badges that I have received while nursing for over 40 years. I retired from nursing in 2016 and decided not to renew my registration in 2017. During this lockdown period I have been particularly reflective about my nursing experience and today is poignant as it is International Nurses’ Day, 12th May, and the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth 200 years ago. No mass celebrations this year but an important thank you across the world to all the those nurses especially who have responded to the global Covid -19 Pandemic .
So I applaud them [as I do every Thursday evening at the neighbourhood doorstep clap] but was it right that I made the decision not to return to join them? The email came for me to apply for the temporary Covid -19 nursing register in March and as a knee jerk reaction I joined. But after much thought, and reaction from some of my family about the implications, especially with my underlying health conditions, I withdrew.
I think all the time about the work I could or should be doing to help those affected but I try and help support those nearer to me in the community. I am blessed that I am able to continue my volunteer work one day a week at a London teaching hospital’s paediatric ITU. I usually help in a non- clinical capacity supporting parents, but with PPE restrictions this is not allowed so I am working on reception and running errands. The learning curve is steep in how to communicate effectively with a mask on! Smile with you eyes and your voice!
I also volunteer at our local Forest School helping maintain the grounds, digging, clearing, planting but working independently rather than with a group of fellow volunteers to chat to. But listening to the birdsong has been amazing while I work.
I have also spent more time gardening at home, enjoying growing vegetables which is new for me.
So on reflection my story really just emphasises to me that this lockdown period has made me appreciate so much more in my life, to slow down, value peace and more time to really enjoy things that can be done at home, also quality time with family, and the work I already have in place.
The nurses all over the world are doing a fantastic job and I feel proud to have worked as a nurse myself as I understand their dedication. But my nursing values are still with me in everyday life for which I am grateful.
The Imaginarium 