Christchurch Medical Practice nurse Teresa Walker awarded title Queen’s Nurse title from Queen’s Nursing Institute
A WOMAN who dreamed of becoming a nurse since she was little has been awarded the Queen’s Nurse title in recognition of a lifetime devoted to the profession.
Teresa Walker (64) from Ashley, says she can remember wanting to become a nurse when she was just four. She said: “My mum was a nurse, and when I was little I would go round with her on the medicine rounds and I would dish out dolly mixtures to the patients.
“I am the fourth generation of nurses in my family so I suppose it must be in the blood. It was all I ever wanted to do.”
The Queen’s Nurse from the Queen’s Nursing Institute is awarded to nurses who have demonstrated a high level of patient care and nursing practice. There are just 45 QNs in Dorset and 81 in Hampshire.
Teresa began her career while still at Highcliffe Comprehensive School, working at Solent Mead care home. She then went to Brockenhurst College and worked on the men’s surgical ward at Lymington hospital before finishing her training in 1982 at The Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester.
She said: “I just love everything about nursing, and I have done it all during my career. But what I really wanted to do was become a theatre nurse, which I did and spent 20 years doing that.”
After hurting her back Theresa had to step back from theatre nursing and went onto a varied career including being a police custody nurse, a community nurse and health manager at Lancing College.
She also worked in Bosnia during the war in a refugee camp, and has been a medical officer with the RFU. Theresa was delighted to return to her roots by joining Christchurch Medical Practice in 2018.
Teresa said she has had many “really happy memories” of her career, and shared what she loves about nursing: “The camaraderie which was really shown during Covid when we all had to pull together through a very difficult time.
“I’ve also had laughter with colleagues over the years, we share a macabre sense of humour which helps get you through the dark days. I just love being part of a team.
“I also love caring for people and getting to know my patients. I consider my career has having been a privilege to be able to do.”
Teresa said bosses at Christchurch Medical Practice were “thrilled to bits” to hear of her award. She said: “It is a fantastic place to work. I was especially proud of the fact that they had allowed me to create a “calm corner” which is a special peaceful waiting room for anyone who may be on the autistic spectrum, has dementia, or just wants to be in a quieter place than a busy doctors’ waiting room.
“I have an autistic son and know how even a visit to a doctor can be overwhelming for some people.”
Teresa said she was considering retiring next year but added: “I would return in some part-time capacity; I can’t see myself giving up nursing for good and my bosses have told me there is no ‘R’ word there.”
She will receive her award at a special ceremony in November.
