In the World Health Organisation’s International Year of the Nurse, Anglican Care’s Chris Botham is celebrating an incredible 50 years of nursing and caring for others.

At a time when the value of nurses and health care professionals has never been higher, Chris has mixed emotions on the milestone, but the overwhelming feeling is a great sense of achievement.

Over a half century, Chris has seen first-hand how nurses nurture, love and care for people regardless of how hard the work is or how difficult the challenge.

Ensuring comfort, both physically and emotionally, of the people in her care and the dedication of her fellow nurses is a highlight.

Chris began the only career that has ever interested her at Wallsend Hospital as a Volunteer Candy Striper at 15 while still at school.

Finishing school at 17 to begin her Nursing Training, Chris has touched the lives of many people; those she’s cared for, and those she has helped further educate.

She began her nursing career as a Trainee Nurse at Wallsend Hospital, followed by Stockton Hospital, prior to moving into aged care where she held positions as a Registered Nurse, Director of Nursing, Manager and eventually a Nurse Educator.

She is now the Residential Care Manager at Anglican Care’s Scenic Lodge, Merewether.

“I have always been the go-to person in the family for illness or support. This has increased the trust, love and bond with every family member of my large extended family. My five grandchildren, great nephew & two great nieces fill me with happiness and joy every day,” Chris said.

Still struggling with the concept that she is nearly 67, Chris has no plans for retirement any time soon.

“As long as I enjoy working and continue to meet the daily challenges, I’ve no plans to stop working. It’s hard work but rewarding,” she said.

“The reward is the thanks and receiving the smiles from those you care for and being a part of a very special team.

“I love my work and working with such a dedicated caring team, the humour amongst them all is something I look forward to each day. The team approach, from Management and the depth of knowledge and clinical expertise within the service, is something I am very proud to be a part of at this stage of my career.”

Chris said that as older Australians continue to need a comfortable and safe place to receive care, she will continue to work and make people feel more at ease.

“Older Australians will continue to need a safe place to live, to be cared for, loved, respected and receive excellent clinical and Palliative care in the years to come,” she said.

“Caring for others, ensuring people feel valued and happy every day is such an honour.”

All these years along Chris has not one just one favourite person she has nursed. Rather, Chris has many people, past and present, who hold a special place within her heart.

Anglican Care CEO, Colin Osborne, congratulated Chris on her significant service to Nursing on behalf of the Anglican Care Board, Management and fellow staff members.

“Providing care, kindness and security to our community for half a century is a significant achievement. We are honoured Chris is a part of the Anglican Care family,” Colin said.

IMAGE | Chris Botham in 2020 at Anglican Care Scenic Lodge

LIGHTBOX | Anglican Care