Nurses reflect on the joys of their jobs

After nursing for 27 years, Elaine Bradley says she still loves her job.

“I really enjoy being a nurse,” she said. “You’re helping people, and doing something positive for your community.”

Bradley began her career at the former General Hospital before moving to the Red Cross, which later turned into Canadian Blood Services, where she currently works.

She has worked at the blood donor clinic, and now provides information to donors and potential donors over the phone at the Canadian Blood Service’s National Contact Centre.

“It was just time to try something new,” Bradley said.

She said her job helps keep Canada’s blood supply safe and plentiful, which is important to her on a personal level.
“I’ve had family members that have needed blood.”

In all of her years of experience, she said the most rewarding aspect of nursing is working with people, “helping them get to their optimum health.”

Bradley’s co-worker at Canadian Blood Services, Paula Bichel, has been nursing in a variety of settings since 1991.

After graduating from Cambrian College, she began her career in Flin Flon, Man., where she worked on every floor of the hospital. Since then, she has worked in Sudbury hospitals, occupational health and safety, and even volunteered in Indonesian orphanages.

“I like to help people, (and) provide positive improvement in people’s lives.”

Bichel still remembers one particular patient from early in her career. As a student nurse, she was responsible for looking after a preteen girl who had been recently diagnosed with cancer.

The young girl was having difficulty accepting the news, and would often want to be alone in her dark room.

Determined to get her back on the right track, Bichel would go ahead into the girl’s room, bringing her light,
companionship, and someone to call a friend. Bichel said it took a lot of perseverance, but when she ran into the young girl and her mother months later, they both thanked Bichel for “bringing her back to life.”

“This is why I do what I do,” Bichel said.

Registered nurse Arro Barry said all the nurses at the Sudbury District Nurse Practitioner Clinic appreciate each other, and not just during Nurses Appreciation Week.

The Laurentian University grad has been working at the clinic since February, doing everything from baby checks to teaching healthy weight management seminars.

“I wear a number of hats,” she said.

Barry likes knowing she can take her nursing skills anywhere, and wherever she goes, she’ll be able to help people.
“It’s purposeful work,” she said.