Staff Nurse, Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Kernaghan who lives in Cloghy Co. Down is retiring from nursing after an incredible 47 years’ service. Liz, who began her nursing career in 1976, has worked in the Outpatients Department based at Ards Community Hospital for the past 19 years.
Liz worked in the Ulster Hospital as a student nurse until qualifying as a Staff Nurse. She has fond memories of living in the nurse accommodation on site, making friends for life but most importantly she remembers the years spent learning. Liz worked as a nurse in care homes for a number of years until 2004, taking up her most recent position of Staff Nurse in Ards Outpatients. During the Covid-19 Pandemic, Liz was redeployed to Ward 3C, caring for stroke patients for a year.
Staff Nurse, Elizabeth Kernaghan insists, “I have made such great memories during my nursing career. I have really loved being able to treat different people and build relationships with the patients. I have treasured being a mentor to many student nurses during the start of their nursing careers and I would say, every day is a school day.
“The last 47 years have gone by in a flash, I’ve enjoyed every minute of being a nurse and have loved working in Ards Outpatients with my fantastic colleagues. I am glad that my time in Ards OP isn’t over as I have decided to come back on a part time basis, but it will be nice to take a step back and enjoy my retirement. I am looking forward to getting more time to myself and more time to spend gardening.”
Ards Outpatients Sister, Sharon-Amanda Moore has said, “I have been Liz’s manager since October 2022 and I know she is a dedicated and hard-working nurse who has given her best at all times. Liz has a great sense of fun. All of the regular patients know and love Liz and often ask about her if she is off. Many are thrilled that she will coming back to do a number of shifts at Ards OP.
“Liz has years of knowledge and experience which she continues to pass on to any student nurses and new staff. I want to wish Liz a very happy retirement.”