One Person’s Influence – a memorable Charge Nurse

Funerals are obviously sad occasions, but the reflection that they bring can temper that sadness with a realisation of many good things that are around. This was clearly demonstrated this week when I attended the funeral of a Charge Nurse with whom I had worked for over 30 years and who died far too young. There was a huge turnout including a large number of colleagues. His care and concern for patients was always evident, but what came across even more than that in the funeral address was his care and concern for his fellow staff, be they people he was managing, colleagues at his own level, those who managed him, or indeed anyone with whom he came into contact. He was unfailingly supportive, always had time for people, went out of his way to ask about people’s welfare, and would always stick up for the staff and say ‘No’ to what was not in the best interests of staff and patients. There was much to learn from how one individual in the middle of a huge organisation can have such a profound influence on so many people.