‘I have never had a second thought about nursing’, says Julie, after 40 years in job
SHE WAS 15 at a careers interview on leaving school when it was suggested nursing might be a good career, explains Julie Hall,
who has now racked up 40 years working in the NHS.
“That and hairdressing were recommended,” she said. “They were thought to be the suitable jobs for girls in the 1970s.”
It was down to chance that her career in the former began - she applied for roles in both industries but her nursing cadet interview - and the offer of a post that followed, came first and the rest, as they say, was history.
“I have never had a second thought about nursing or working in the NHS,” she told The Yorkshire Post.
Having taught at Sunday school and helped at play schemes in her teenage years, Mrs Hall felt she was already suited to a caring role helping others.
She joined the NHS in 1977, aged 16, taking up her cadet role at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, talking to patients and cleaning wards, whilst studying for O Levels at Doncaster College.
She went on to complete a nurse training course, becoming qualified as a registered nurse.
In 1984, she turned to community nursing, working across GP surgeries and visiting people in their homes around north Doncaster. She then trained to become a district nursing sister, a position that she held for 20 years, before later becoming a community matron in 2005, looking after patients with long-term conditions and advanced clinical needs. Now, aged 56, and in her 40th year of work with the health service, Mrs Hall’s title is a ‘clinical pathway lead’ at Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust. Her focus is on ensuring patients get the same level of nursing care regardless of their health needs, including both mental and physical. She said: “I think the NHS has changed considerably since I started for the people that use our services. I think advancements have been fantastic, particularly around medical technology and the treatments that are available now for patients.
“I think it has adapted and staff have embraced change and been flexible. It has always been about care and compassion. That has been the case since it began right through to how it is now, and I don’t think that will ever change. It is a passion for working for the NHS that keeps us all going.”
In 2016, Mrs Hall, from Arksey, Doncaster was awarded the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Award for Outstanding Service, for her contribution to providing exceptional care for patients.