Lead Nurse for Surgical Specialties, Jenny McMahon is celebrating an amazing 45 years in Nursing.
Jenny commenced her training at the young age of 18 in the McKelvie Ward, Ards Hospital. She qualified in 1980, choosing to continue working on the ward where she trained as a student before moving to the Surgical Ward in Bangor Hospital. Jenny moved to the Ulster Hospital, to take up a post as a Staff Nurse in the early 90’s, continuing to work hard and develop her career.
It was always Jenny’s dream to secure the role of Ward Sister, so she was delighted when she reached that goal a few years later. Taking on the role of ward Sister in Ward 8 at the Ulster Hospital gave Jenny the opportunity to become a leader and she has enjoyed supporting and encouraging her staff and students helping them to develop their skills. Over the years she has watched their careers flourish with great pride.
Working as a Lead Nurse and Clinical Coordinator for Surgery, Jenny meets with a wide network of people. Interacting with her colleagues, students, patients, and their families has made a real impact on her as a person over her long career and she feels privileged to have been a part of their story. Jenny explained, “Where has 45 years gone? I love being a Nurse and having the opportunity to care for so many people, I will carry so many of those people and the memories I have of them forever, this job is a privilege.”
“Before my final exams, all those years ago, my Matron said to me “If you have worked hard, you will be alright”, and I have been. Over 45 years this organisation has supported me to become the Nurse I am today and I am very grateful for that.”
Assistant Director of Surgery, Maggie Parks has worked with Jenny for over 20 years, she described Jenny by saying, “Jenny is a true caring and compassionate leader, not only for her patients but also for her staff. She leads by example, demonstrating positive behaviours and attitudes, mentoring and coaching junior staff, across a range of professions. She has always shown true commitment and dedication to her job and her nursing profession.
“Throughout her long career she has delivered and led high quality, safe, effective and patient centred nursing care across the Surgical Directorate, and has led on some significant pieces of work within Hospital Services.
“Jenny always goes the extra mile for both her patients and her staff, and is a very valued colleague and leader.”