The last few weeks I have suddenly wanted to share, I have had a change in direction, nothing to worry about my love and passion for diabetes hasn’t waned.

I recently joined a GP Practice, September, 20 hours a week, no regrets (a little fib, I hate the M65 – very scary)

A lot of colleagues who know me well, will think I have finally lost it. I haven’t I am learning new skills and loving every minute of it, because I am able to adapt those skills to the broader spectrum of diabetes and other comorbidities. Making me the all round practitioner I have always been.

The Practice and patients have welcomed me and I feel as if i have joined a family, the most amazing thing is after spending time working elsewhere and my confdence eroded, I am me again.

Practice Manager often complains of too much laughter from me, colleagues and patients always leave smiling.

I am again that confident practitioner, most importantly doing what I love most, meeting people, sharing my knowledge and experience. Helping to those livng with diabetes understand that diabetes has to fit in with their life not the other way round. True patient-centred care, that I so believe in and advocate.

The ability to adapt diabetes to fit in with a person’s life and aiding them in understanding, the appointment is about them and not about pleasing the healthcare professional. I always see myself as a guest in their care.

The art of helping someone understand their condition, supporting with the opportunity to ask that long awaited question that they have never felt they could ask. Watching people’s light up, after walking through the door with slumped shoulders and anxiety disappear.

I feel like I am writing a blowing my trumpet blog, why not??

As Healthcare Professionals we do an amazing job and at 60, I find mysef back in the classroom learning new skills and thankful that I became a nurse when I did back in 1978, traditional training giving me the means and ability to become a chameleon and wherever this life takes me, I will adapt.

Someone called me ‘A Maverick’ this year, saying I will always survive.

I have the NHS to thank for this and the opportunity to initially train as a State Enrolled Nurse – that gave a frightened 18 year old the confidence to care and speak with strangers, in not always pleasant situations.

I have been at the very top of the ladder (with title’s) but wherever I am, titles meant nothing because ‘I am’ – Maureen the Nurse, who loves diabetes and most importantly the people I see and help to make life a little easier.