To mark International Nurses Day on 12 May, this week’s leadership message comes from Beverley Geary, Director of Nursing, NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB)

This month marks 38 years since I began my nurse training. I still remember the first day, we had a 12-week ‘introductory block’ and we had to wear our uniform every day, despite the fact that we were in school and not allowed near a patient. The theory was that we would ‘become’ a nurse by wearing that uniform, day in day out. We stood out not only with the one stripe on our hats (I loved my hat) but also because of the newness of the uniform, which was incredibly irritating. I think it took until year three to soften that collar. It was a time of great uncertainty. I’d only ever wanted to be a nurse and whilst it was exciting, it was also very scary. I had no idea what the coming weeks, months and years would bring.

I think this has been true of the last 38 years. Back then if you’d told me that I would be the Director of Nursing for the ICB, work in mental health, acute hospitals and in the intensive care unit of the regional cardiothoracic centre, I would probably have run a mile. The uncertainty that every year and role has presented at times seemed far too great to overcome. My career didn’t get off to a flying start as there were no jobs for our cohort. All wards and departments were fully established so we were initially employed on 6-month contracts. I think we all took it in our stride because we were so relieved that we’d passed our State Finals.

Despite the challenges and uncertainty, when I reflect upon these times, I think about the patients who stand out, whose names and diagnoses I still remember, their families and what they endured together. I think about my nursing school cohort and the teams I’ve worked in, my first ward team, my first executive team, our current executive team (the best I have worked with) and the numerous nursing cohorts throughout that have stood the test of time and immense changes along the way.

I still remember the many ‘firsts’ during the past 38 years. The first time I worked on a ward (1987, general medicine, with one stripe on my hat). The first time I did a drugs round (it took what seemed like forever), the first time I wore a staff nurse uniform (I still have my buckle – I doubt the belt would fit around my waist today.) The first time I took charge of a ward (again general medicine), I spent the shift thinking I would vomit. ‘Warding’ a patient on ITU who’d had a triple bypass graft. Two hours into the shift he ‘blew a graft’ and we had to open his chest on the unit. Three weeks later he went home with his wife and two sons saying he’d had a new lease of life. Presenting at Trust Board as a chief nurse (another vomit inducing experience), being interviewed by the CQC, the coroner, and the police. And possibly the most challenging and difficult period, certainly in my career, COVID. As a chief nurse in a large acute hospital, the uncertainty and challenges were like nothing we’d ever experienced before. I look back on that time and wonder how we got through it but get through it we did. And we became more resilient as individuals and as a profession as a result.

I could go on.

Whilst I draw no similarities from the experiences I have listed, the common theme is challenge and uncertainty. Something that we are all facing today.

I haven’t worked on a ward for a long time but I have needed to use my nursing skills recently in the care of sick relatives. It brought home (literally) why I had become a nurse in the first place, and the impact that we have on patients and families. I have no shame in telling you that I boasted to a colleague, ‘He is settled, he’s had a full bed bath, eaten small amounts and had a drink. His mouth is moist and clean, his areas intact. I’ve still got it.’

Fast forward to present day, the challenges that lay ahead are significant, and we have to adapt to the new world and what that will look like.

Reflecting on the last 38 years as a nurse, I look back on the challenging times, the uncertainty and the fear. I ask myself, if I’d known, would I still have done it? The answer is ‘yes’, in a heartbeat.

I am extremely proud to be a nurse. On International Nurses Day, whatever role or function you work in, I celebrate your contributions to the lives of our patients and their families. I celebrate the impact that you have on our population, and I thank you for your continued effort and professionalism. I hope you take a moment or two today to reflect on your many patients, your achievements, some of your ‘firsts’ and where you are today to realise your amazing contribution.

Many thanks to you all,
Beverley