Andy Cumper, the Registered Manager at Bernard Sunley, our Woking-based residential, nursing and dementia care home, has been honouring this year’s National Nurses Day – and Florence Nightingale’s 206th Birthday – by recognising and celebrating the Nursing and caring careers of the care home’s Nurses who have been sharing their own Nursing journeys.
Maggi Baby, who was born and raised in India, has worked as a Registered Nurse at Bernard Sunley for 20 years. “My family introduced me into the idea of Nursing as a career, and for me, it felt like a natural fit. I suppose you could say it’s my calling; I can’t imagine not caring for others, it’s the most rewarding part of my day, every day,” said Maggi.
Maggie studied at Jeevan Jyothi School of Nursing University in Bihar, India for four years, before moving to the United Kingdom and studying at Thames Valley University for another year. “When I started working at Bernard Sunley, it didn’t take me long to fall in love with the care home and residents,” continued Maggi. “I’d also worked at Ashford Hospital and St. Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey, Surrey, where I really enjoyed my time in the Operations Theatre, but caring for the residents and seeing the smiles on their faces when I spend time with them was, and still is, priceless and I knew that working at Bernard Sunley was my forever career.”
Registered Nurse, Cristina Chobram, has worked at Bernard Sunley for five years. “From a very young age, I knew I wanted to be a Nurse as I’d always cared for people around me.” Cristina knew Bernard Sunley would be a great place to work as, the first time she visited the care home, she saw how lovely the residents were and how kind and caring the care team were as they interacted with each individual. “It was also wonderful to learn that the care team members had been at Bernard Sunley for many years, which was an excellent indication that it was a great place to work. Each care team member was, and still is, considerate, professional, compassionate and dedicated to each resident. I knew I wanted to be part of that.”
“Each day I have lovely and meaningful conversations with the residents and, for me, seeing how grateful and happy they are when I’ve alleviated any aches or pains they may have and made them comfortable is so fulfilling,” added Maggi. Cristina agreed with Maggi, “Building lasting and meaningful connections and interacting every day with the residents, helping them and being a part of their care journey is why we do what we do.”
“All the Registered Nurses at Bernard Sunley – and throughout Friends of the Elderly – give 100% unwavering devotion and commitment to all the residents and respite guests,” continued Andy Cumper, the Registered Manager at the care home. “I truly believe that being able to recognise and honour their dedication and show, in just some small way, is key in demonstrating how much they are appreciated, not only by the residents, but everyone at Bernard Sunley.”
“I love being a part of such a long-serving and caring team,” added Cristina. “Keeping the residents healthy, safe and motivated and supporting them to live well in later life, is at the heart of what all the Registered Nurses at the care home are committed to doing, every day of every year.”
“Nursing is a special calling, and I love caring for the residents. Bernard Sunley is their home, and I work in their home, supporting them every day. Doing this completes me as a person, which I am exceptionally grateful for,” concluded Maggi.
Find out more about Bernard Sunley care home by calling 01483 764 300 or emailing [email protected].