[Margaret Pilkington]

John, I retired in 2002, at the age of 55.....I could have worked on until i was 60, but to be honest I was thoroughly fed up of government meddling, target chasing and the like.
I loved my job and felt privileged to be doing it. I worked hard because that is the only way I know.
I taught student nurses and tried to pass on my enthusiasm for caring for patients, but increasingly it seemed that the young women and men coming into the profession had a different focus......and it wasn't on care giving, it was about forging a career.
There is nothing wrong with forging a career per se it just has to be balanced with care giving. It seemed to me(MHO) that many of the new University educated intakes felt that taking patients to the toilet, or feeding patients, or dealing with personal hygiene needs were below them. Patients reveal their fears and their worries to the people who give such intimate care.

Now I am glad to be out of it....though I am always happy when past patients recognise me and remember me...which frequently happens.