Justine, a seasoned nurse with over two decades of experience, vividly recalls a peculiar incident from her early days at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. As a freshly qualified staff nurse stationed in the plastic surgery and burns unit, she found herself grappling with a slippery adversary: a leech.
The incident occurred during a routine procedure involving the application of medically-bred leeches to aid in blood circulation for patients recovering from reconstructive surgeries. Justine recounts the moment when one of these leeches unexpectedly detached and landed on her hand, causing a brief moment of alarm. Despite the mishap, she managed to swiftly recover the leech, affectionately named “Bob” by the patient, and resume the procedure, ultimately leading to a successful outcome.
Now a lead nurse specializing in transforming roles and non-medical prescribing for NHS Tayside, Justine’s journey in nursing has been marked by various experiences that have shaped her professional trajectory. Initially pursuing a degree in pharmacology, she never envisioned herself in the nursing profession until witnessing the compassionate care provided to her father during his cancer treatment at Ninewells Hospital. Inspired by the dedication and support demonstrated by the nursing staff, she embarked on a career in nursing, ultimately graduating in 2003 and securing a position in the plastic surgery and burns unit where she honed her skills under the guidance of a compassionate team.
Despite the common misconception surrounding plastic surgery as solely cosmetic in nature, Justine emphasizes the unit’s critical role in providing reconstructive surgeries for patients recovering from traumatic injuries and cancer-related procedures. From delicate procedures to reattach fingers and thumbs to addressing DIY injuries and breast reconstructions, Justine’s tenure in the unit exposed her to the breadth of challenges and triumphs within the field of plastic surgery.
Transitioning to general practice nursing after starting a family, Justine found fulfillment in her role at Townhead and Annat Bank GP practices in Montrose. Here, she delved deeper into the management of long-term conditions and fostered closer connections with her patients, offering a stark contrast to the specialized environment of hospital nursing.
In 2020, amidst the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Justine found herself at the forefront of the vaccination efforts, administering the Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine to Scotland’s first patients in January 2021. Reflecting on the emotional impact of the vaccination campaign and the relief it brought to vulnerable individuals, Justine underscores the resilience and dedication of nursing professionals in navigating challenging circumstances.
Despite the demands and pressures facing the healthcare sector, Justine remains steadfast in her belief that nursing continues to offer a rewarding and fulfilling career path. Whether at the bedside or in advanced practice roles, she advocates for the enduring value of nursing in making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients.
As she continues to chart her professional journey, Justine’s unwavering commitment to patient care serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of nursing excellence in Scotland and beyond.
