After almost half a century as a nurse, Pam Roberts, Unit Co-ordinator, Cashmere View Care Home, New Zealand, looks back over a career in caring and how's she dedicated to making the lives of those with dementia and their families that little bit easier.
During the Second World War mum worked in the Met Office for the Royal Air Force. She often talked about that time in her life, of the grief of losing friends and family, and how the experience created a unique bond for her generation. It changed her life in one other big way too. One day a young man in an RAF uniform walked in, took one look at mum, and said: "I'm going to marry you." She laughed and said: "No, you're definitely not." Well as it turns out she was wrong and he was a man of his word and, as they say, the rest is history.
Thanks to my parents I have some amazing memories from my youth. One of my favourite times of the year was during the school holidays. We'd take the train from Christchurch to Blenheim, a small town on the South Island in New Zealand, where May, a family friend, had a house. We'd spend the days fishing in the rivers and travel up to Picton to go to the beach.
May had an incredible ability to treat me as an equal despite the obvious age difference. She'd ask me what I wanted to be when I was a grown up, never assuming or suggesting what I should want – she'd simply listen and encourage me. It gave me such confidence in my own decision making and inspired me to push myself even further. I really admired that about her and see the value of the way she treated me even more now than I did then.
A world of opportunities for women
I'm pleased to see a lot more of that in women now. There are so many more opportunities available to them thanks to technological advancements. Societal expectations have progressed in leaps and bounds, especially since my mother's generation! As a child, the concept of not being able to achieve something because of my gender never crossed my mind. Yes, there are challenges that we face but it's how we overcome them that matters. Being fuelled by my faith has helped me through those rough days. It isn't always easy but ultimately, we can grow as people by not being defeated.
After leaving school, I toyed between the idea of being a teacher or a nurse. But after being accepted into nursing I've never regretted taking that path. I'm reaching the 50-year mark as a nurse and throughout the entire time, the profession has been dominated by women. I remember during my training there was only one male student in a class of 70! Thankfully, perceptions are shifting and I'm noticing a steady change when it comes to balancing out the male to female nursing ratio.
Pam receiving an award for her efforts at Cashmere View
Offering the most vulnerable the best care
I've worked for Bupa for 20 years, that in itself is testament to how much I love my role. Working with people who are in the final stages of dementia brings a mix of emotions really. I think I can speak for my team when I say each of us strives to ensure these most vulnerable of people are not hidden and forgotten in the healthcare system and are offered the best possible care. Educating the families of residents on brain diseases is key to enabling them to understand how to care for their loved one and to equip them with the emotional skills to deal with an incredibly difficult situation.
Looking back at my career I can't imagine being anything other than a nurse. I'm so glad that I listened to my gut and continued with my training.
