NHS Nurse Reflects on 40-Plus Year Career after Receiving Service AwardNHS Nurse Reflects on 40-Plus Year Career after Receiving Service Award Mary Farnworth, a highly experienced nurse from Grimsargh, Lancashire, has been recognized for her dedication to the NHS with a service award. Having begun her nursing journey at the age of 18 in 1977, Mary has witnessed significant changes within the healthcare system over the years. Despite initially pursuing art, Mary felt drawn to a career where she could interact with people and ultimately decided to become a nurse. Her career began at Preston Royal Infirmary and later transitioned to Royal Preston Hospital, which closed in 1990. Mary acknowledges that nursing has undergone substantial transformations, particularly in terms of the qualifications required. However, she also believes that this evolution may be discouraging some potential candidates, especially those lacking A-levels or the resources to pursue a three-year course. Throughout her career, Mary has consistently expressed her passion for working with people. “I don’t know why, but I wanted to do something where I worked with people. I’ve always loved people,” she said. Reflecting on her early experiences in the NHS, Mary recalls the discipline and work ethic instilled in her at art school. “I’ve carried that with me for over 40 years,” she emphasized. Mary’s initial career path led her to theatre at Sharoe Green Hospital. However, she quickly realized her true calling lay in mental health. After a long tenure at Royal Preston Hospital, she served as a consultant at the University of Central Lancashire for three years before an accident forced her to retire in 2021. Despite her retirement, Mary remains proud of her accomplishments and the support she received from her colleagues. “I’ve been fortunate to work with the best employees,” she said. “I do miss it, but I’ll be ready at the right time.”
Image caption, Mary Farnworth started working as a nurse at the age of 18 Article information
- Author, Gina Millson
- Role, BBC Radio Lancashire
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4 minutes ago
A long-serving nurse reflects on her 40-plus year career in the NHS after receiving a service award.
Mary Farnworth, from Grimsargh, Lancashire, was first admitted to Preston Royal Infirmary in November 1977 at the age of 18.
The 65-year-old has 41 years of experience as a nurse, after first studying art.
“I have been fortunate to work with the best employees,” she said.
Image source, Family photo
Image caption, Mary Farnworth says she became a nurse because she wanted to do something that involved working with people
She began her career at Preston Royal Infirmary and then transferred to Royal Preston Hospital, which closed in 1990.
Mrs Farnworth believes that nursing has changed enormously over the years, particularly in terms of the qualifications required.
“People need A-levels and it’s a three-year course, which is great if you can do that, but I feel like it can put people off.
“I feel the NHS is missing some really kind, empathetic people.”
Mrs Farnworth said she always wanted to be a nurse.
“I really don’t know why, but I just wanted to do something where I worked with people. I’ve always loved people,” she said.
“I actually went to art school before I started training at Preston Royal Infirmary. Discipline was paramount there and a work ethic was instilled in me. I’ve carried that with me for over 40 years.”
Image source, Maria Farnworth
Image caption, Mary Farnworth was proud to receive her NHS award for her long service
Mrs Farnworth was initially offered a job in theatre at Sharoe Green Hospital, but early in her career she realised she wanted to work in mental health.
After a long career at the Royal Preston Hospital, she spent three years as a consultant at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. However, in 2021 she was forced to retire following an accident at home in which she broke her back.
Looking back on her own career, she said, “I’ve been fortunate to work with the best employees.
“I do miss it, but I’ll be ready at the right time.”
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