Community Nurse Josephine retires after 53 years in the NHS, celebrating a fulfilling career at CLCH

After an incredible 53-year career in the NHS, with over 30 years dedicated to CLCH, community nurse Josephine is retiring at the age of 75. Her journey highlights the NHS as great place to work, offering career development and progression and a supportive team of colleagues.

Josephine's career has been defined by her passion for nursing and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals. Reflecting on her time at CLCH, Josephine shared, "One of the things that has given me the most joy is mentoring students on their community placements. Many of these students have gone on to become qualified nurses and often call back to share their achievements. It gives me immense pride to know I have impacted their careers."

Throughout her time at CLCH, Josephine has made a significant difference in the lives of patients, particularly in the leg ulcer clinic, where she has seen firsthand the positive impact of the care provided. "When patients come back to thank us after their ulcers have healed, it's an incredibly joyful moment. Knowing that our work has made a real difference to their lives is deeply fulfilling."

Josephine speaks highly of the NHS and CLCH, highlighting the many benefits she has enjoyed throughout her career. "The NHS offers job security, flexibility to balance work and family life, and training and development opportunities. You can easily change between departments and explore different areas of healthcare without difficulty," she noted.

As she plans her well-deserved retirement, Josephine is looking forward to traveling, spending more time with her family, and returning to her homeland of Sierra Leone. "I plan to take plenty of rest, enjoy holidays with my family".

Her advice to those starting their careers in the NHS is to seek mentorship and guidance. "My advice would be to speak to a manager regarding career development opportunities and get a mentor. Having someone experienced to guide you is invaluable. The NHS is a fantastic organisation to work for, and I've truly enjoyed every moment."

Josephine's story shows the rewarding opportunities available within the NHS and CLCH. Her passion for nursing have left a lasting legacy, making her an inspiration for community nurses at CLCH.

We're one of the largest community healthcare providers in the country, employing more than 4,500 staff and caring for more than two million people across London and Hertfordshire.

We would love you to join us to help make a real difference in the communities we work in, bringing care closer to home. Visit the CLCH website to find out about our latest vacancies.