Janette Brooks
Janette began office work the Monday after leaving school. After 11 years she changed the direction of her life to healthcare – inspired when the family nursed her father back to health – gaining experience volunteering at a hospice (lots of ironing, making cups of tea). Janette began full time training/nursing at Warrington hospital in 1986 (belt, buckle, folded paper hat) – staying 15 years as SEN/SRN – mainly on orthopaedics. Working in acute surgical/emergency admissions was challenging but expanded her knowledge – before becoming a community nurse in Grappenhall until retirement. Missing working with and caring for others Janette returned to the community clinic as administrative assistant for 7 years – using her experience to support patients, nurses, and managers. Janette always took personal responsibility for the wellbeing of patients and colleagues. In the community she undertook projects – flu vaccination programme, mentoring, producing the clinic welcome pack, fire warden and often office tea club/collection/buffet provider. Janette’s colleagues praise her caring, professional nature; willingness to go the extra mile (e.g. returning early from leave when Covid struck). Nicknamed ‘mother’ (‘heart’ of the office) Janette was loved for her personality and sense of humour (promoting healthy eating – placing raw vegetables/mushrooms by the biscuit tin; students digging her out of snow because she wouldn’t let a patient down). Janette was proactive as a nurse and is in her personal life – interested/participating in swimming, running, yoga, football, tennis, cricket; Italian and healthy cooking; walking, growing vegetables/flowers. Socialising with family and friends.
Colleagues ask her to return to work – saying: “She was so caring as a nurse and friend and the holidays were great!”; “she has a great sense of humour – a palliative patient joked she was ‘the boss’ and ‘hopeless’ but I could tell that he and all the patients thought the world of her”; “her compassion and care was second to none”; “she was a special nurse and an amazing friend”; “Your compassion, strength and unwavering dedication inspired me every day. You helped me be the nurse I am today”; “her kindness touched countless lives – including mine”; “Your ability to balance empathy and expertise is truly remarkable”; “a role model to many and I’m lucky to call you my friend”.
Janette never sought promotion, but her personal and professional contribution to her vocation show that what may on paper look an ordinary career in nursing can be lived in an extraordinary way.
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