Ann is one of our Lead District Nurses at Dorset HealthCare. She is passionate about community nursing and as you will see below came into nursing as a second career.
Ann is a Queens Nurse too.
Here is Ann’s story..
I came to nursing after having a career in Leisure Management and in the Financial Industry following a life changing event for my husband. This is one decision I have never regretted. Following a placement in the community with a fantastic inspiring nurse I decided that I wanted to focus my nursing career in Community Nursing.
I found the whole experience of nursing someone in their own home a privilege with the opportunity to develop a multitude of clinical skills and knowledge to make patients experiences better.
After consolidating a lot of new skills I was successful in gaining a place on the Specialist Practice Degree to do my District Nursing Training at Southampton University for a year. Following this tough year of the course I was successful in obtaining a District Nurse team leader post in Poole, a great challenge having only worked over in Bournemouth.
During this time I worked with a fantastic group of GP’s, nurses, HCA’s, Specialist Nurses who all worked well together for the best outcome for the patients. However I needed a fresh challenge and always thinking about how I can develop my skills and knowledge I decided to go and work for another organisation to gain experience on different models of working in the community. Although I only lasted nearly three years the experience I gained from integrated working has really helped to enhance the service back in East Dorset where I now work.
There are many challenges on a day to day basis but this keeps me motivated to do my best for the patients and the staff that work within my teams. Although I don’t wear my uniform much these days, when I do put it on I feel so honoured to call myself a nurse and really enjoy getting out to see patients and talk to them about the care they are receiving.
I have recently been accepted into the Queen's Nursing Institute as a Queen's Nurse which is a great honour and something I hope to get involved with in the future to network with other Queens Nurses from around the Country to share ideas on practice for the benefits of the patients we serve.
Calling myself a nurse and helping others is the best job in the world.