Retired Nurses Help Their Colleagues Take A Much-Needed Summer Break
After 48 years as a registered nurse, Lise Guerrette Daigle could have taken advantage of her retirement to explore a new hobby, travel, or relax with her family. She decided instead to return to the bedside of patients to lend a hand to meet short-term needs.
“These days, when you look at all the needs, I think we have to band together in the profession and do something,” she says.
In February, this dedicated nurse came out of retirement to devote a few hours a week to a casual position in the surgical unit at the Dr-Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton. She says that after working in management for several years she had to get used to doing certain tasks again, but that you never forget basic patient care.
“I gradually eased into the care team. I tip my hat to them because they work very hard,” she says. “They appreciate all the assistance I am able to give them. I really feel that I am helping to improve the situation for the patients and in providing help to the care team. The staff are very busy, but the people are so appreciative that I am here, and they thank me every morning and when I finish my day.”
Guerrette Daigle really likes the flexibility of this casual position, and she decides how many shifts she will be available to work every week. Because of her age, she also prefers shorter eight-hour shifts rather than working 12 consecutive hours. The hospital system for its part can benefit from all the experience of a nurse with extensive knowledge of care and the health system.
She had held a variety of positions during her 48-year career, including bedside nursing, home care, industrial health, for the VON, and quality and risk management. She has also held management positions, including Vice-President responsible for patient care at the Beauséjour Regional Health Authority and Executive Vice-President with the Vitalité Health Network where she was responsible for acute care facilities.
“Of course, I was a little apprehensive at first and wondered if I could still do it,” she says. “I was a little afraid of being left on my own, but I received a wonderful welcome. People were asking me if I was comfortable with my duties, and my confidence and skills grew with the additional orientation.
Guerrette Daile, therefore, invites all her retired nursing colleagues to think about putting their experience and skills to work for their communities. The worker shortage is being felt in all sectors, and summer vacations are making it more acute.
“We really feel appreciated,” she says.
This positive experience is enabling her to reconnect with her early passion and provide direct care to sick people. The circle is completed.”
This article originally appeared in L’Acadie Nouvelle.
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