To honour this special day, we’ll be shining a light on a selection of nurses who exemplify the dedication and compassion that makes nursing one of the most respected professions, not only in this country, but around the world.
One such nurse is Stevenage-based sexual health nurse Sharon Hodgson, who this year celebrates 35 years working in the NHS.
Sharon completed her training in 1985, initially working as a staff nurse on an orthopaedic ward in Liverpool, before moving into specialist areas such as family planning, infertility, and sexual health.
Since 2010, she has been working as sexual health nurse at Southgate Clinic, Stevenage, for Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust (CLCH), where she continues to care for patients in Hertfordshire.
“Working alongside nurses and seeing the difference they made inspired me to think, ‘I could do that’. I loved helping people and learning about the body, so nursing just felt right,” she said.
Sharon feels a strong sense of pride in her role and the wider health service.
I’m proud to be a part of such an amazing machine, made up of many disciplines, despite any difficulties we may encounter.
“I firmly believe that being the patient’s advocate means we are part of their journey — making that journey supported, informed, and safe is what makes it, and all of us, so special. I cannot think of an area of healthcare where nurses do not appear in some form.”
Sharon has witnessed significant changes in nursing during her career, particularly within her specialty. But her commitment to supporting people’s health and wellbeing has remained at the heart of her work.
“The variety of each day, along with the camaraderie and teamwork with my colleagues, makes it all the more rewarding. It feels like just yesterday I was a student nurse. Time really does fly!”
Look out for more features on some of our amazing nurses as International Nurses Day approaches.