Our Nurses leading the way

On 12^th May 2021, International Nurses Day marks the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. Known as the ‘Lady with the Lamp,’ she is considered to be the founder of modern nursing and still stands as an example of the importance of the profession today.

This year’s theme is Nurses: A voice to Lead – A vision for future healthcare.  Today, around the globe, we are joining men and women in celebrating those who have chosen to be part of the nursing profession.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown more than ever the brilliance of our nursing family. Our Nurses have shown leadership at all levels to meet the extraordinary demands of the pandemic. The virus has brought new and unforeseen challenges to social care and our nurses are rising to those challenges magnificently on a daily basis.

As well as marking this important day in our care homes with celebrations and acts of appreciation for our nurses, we have spoken to a few of the amazing nurses that work for us to share their stories.

We caught up with our nurses to find out more about them and why they joined the Nursing Profession!

Star Nurse profile: Olubunmi Ogundipe– Deputy Manager

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m a proud Nigerian and proud of my heritage, my first degree was an Industrial Designer (Dressmaker), I worked in retail in my own business “Booming Institute of Fashion” – watch out Vivienne Westwood!

What does Nursing mean to you?

Nursing to me is about caring and ensuring the safety of vulnerable people. Supporting our residents within the home as individuals with respect and dignity, because they are and their loved ones are trusting us to care for them with highest standards of care.

I believe Nursing is a passion not a job, it is rewarding, challenging and a worthwhile vocation. The changing needs of society have altered the level of expertise required at all levels of nursing, but the compassion required never changes and the ability to see ‘the person’ behind the illness will always be the crux to being a good nurse.

What were the highs and lows of Nursing during the Pandemic?

In the wake of Covid-19 we all experienced highs and lows that will remain with us forever. For me, the highs were seeing how team members rallied together to support each other with whatever difficulties we were all facing during the pandemic.

We learnt how resilient we were individually, but even more powerfully as a team.  Unfortunately, the lows were experiencing unfortunate loss of lives close to home, as well as around the world due to Covid-19.

What support have you received during this time?

I received fantastic support from senior management, which was really helpful. I loved how my community came together, as well as relatives, friends and work colleagues – we all rallied together to provide positive support to each other.

Sonia Kasese – Lambwood Heights Home Care Manager, shared her thoughts on the impact on nursing during the Pandemic:

“The home has been grateful for the support Olubunmi as a Registered Nurse, has given to the home and residents of Lambwood Heights.

The home has been very fortunate to have exemplary leadership from the organisation in managing Covid-19 in the homes – their vision and guidelines is evidence of how we lead during this Pandemic. We were able to get sufficient and adequate essential PPE, we were able to offer safe Covid-19 visits to family members. Teams also received appropriate well-being support and all around we fared well and above others.

Finally, as a group there are a lot of things, we learnt about ourselves and the assurance that no matter what is thrown at us we will always survive it”.

Find out more about Lambwood Heights Care Home in Chigwell, Essex.