Being still, noticing...we really don't get enough time to do this anymore as #nurses and yet the impact is priceless.

Delighted that it has now been confirmed, three Rashielee staff will be starting their #nursing degrees in September. Their journeys have been a joy to watch and I can't wait to see them grow further with the experience and love of #carehomes giving them an amazing base ♥️

Last night, I encountered #parkinsons in another family when I assisted a neighbour who had fallen outside. He reminded me of my mum a year ago - determined, proud, striving to maintain independence. His wife, like my dad- frustrated, scared, burnt out. A battle of wills.

I am continuosly surprised by the lack of knowledge about #parkinsons by mum's carers. Knowledge about mums experience & about the condition itself, should direct care, but more often it doesn't. No understanding & no resources for care that works with time sensitive medication.

Saw this quote over on Facebook...it speaks beautifully about why we must always see the person, who they are, what has shaped them. It also emphasises how many connections we may have, in a world where we look for differences.

Great chat with a #studentnurse today, discussing holistic care & community care as well as advocacy & influencing in #nursing. So important that future nurses don't lose sight of the person but also that person's place in wider society.

A fab day at #holyroodpalace for the #RoyalGardenParty. Honoured to be invited. Got close enough for photos, had a cup of tea & enjoyed a wander around the grounds including a wee nature fix of course! Met some lovely people along the way. #nursesontour

Excited to be attending the Royal Garden Party at Holyrood today with Jjennifer Goodwin...but first we're in the #carehome getting some work done! Lovely to see the excitement of residents & staff too! If the rain would like to move on, that would be most appreciated 🤣

Duty of care...to the client, to their #unpaidcarer? I ask this tonight as mum's care package collapsed & the new one failed to materialise as the council promised. A day of empty promises, of carer stress, of increased risk to health & wellbeing. Poor communication costs!

A wonderful walk at Cashel Forest this morning. Beautiful views out to #lochlomond and so many butterflies, damselflies and dragonflies. Even saw a wee lizard run across the path! Heaven! #naturetime

Rock'n'roll Saturday night...when the book is so good you need popcorn 🍿📚

Starting some weekend reading 📚

Another #unpaidcarer support group for staff today. Valuable conversations around carer identity and reflections on each person's role as an unpaid carer. Common themes of seeing personal time as selfish, family dynamics being strained and increasing support needs. #carehomelife

Today, another group of children emerged more confident & with awareness of dementia & ageing thanks to our ongoing #intergenerational project with the local primary school. For the older adults, there was companionship & vitality. Caring for our wider #community. #carehomelife

Thinking of the importance of networking today; building a web of support around you, learning from others, inspiring others, connecting spaces, creating action. Good networking means being curious, being brave, being respectful to all even if your thoughts aren't aligned.

Delighted to receive my updated @qniscotland.bsky.social certificate this afternoon, signed by Her Majesty, the Queen. When I became a #queensnurse it was unclear who would be patron, so certificates were unsigned. Pictured alongside Katy Jenks of @careinspectorate.bsky.social receiving hers too.

As #nurses, we have the opportunity to influence, to be an activist. We are in a position of trust, we are seen in diverse spaces. As #nurses we must also recognise that opportunity comes with responsibility - a responsibility to uphold our professional values.

Escaped the kids for father's day and headed to the hills! Beautiful day for Beinn Narnain again, hard slog but worth every minute...and the dodgy knee held up until the last 20 mins! Reset for the week ahead! #takemetothehills #arrocharalps

Happy #caturday 😻

Care, sanctuary and welcome. A reflection on the nature of #home in #WorldRefugeeWeek. #WorldRefugeeDay, #refugee, #migration, #socialcare, #community scottishcare.org/news/care-sa...

1/2 From a local gala day to the sea of Scotland fans in Boston: the power of community shines. When people come together, connections are made, traditions are celebrated & lasting memories are created. Community keeps us grounded, connected & stronger together.

This #lonelinessawarenessweek ask - do you think you could benefit from seeing more people? Ask yourself, ask a colleague, ask a patient. Loneliness affects people from all walks of life, of all ages. You can be lonely in a crowd. There's no shame in talking about it.

Care Home Open Week — but are care homes ever really "open"? They're people's homes, not attractions. We should be continuously raising awareness of the vital role care homes play in health, care & communities nationwide. A 24/7, 365 day celebration of life in all it's guises.

Amazing morning with my niece at Purrple Cat Rescue in Glasgow. Coffee & cake surrounded by cats looking for a home. Alas there's no chance her mum will allow her a cat for her birthday but this was a close second! 😻

Planning a wee nap before the big game. So emosh today, seeing all the strips, flags, @1025Clyde1 playing all the Scottish tunes. It's been a long time since I went to Bellahouston Park to watch our last #worldcup efforts on the big screen. Come on boys! ⚽🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿⚽🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Recognising carers promotes fairness & social inclusion. Unpaid carers make a major contribution to society, often without financial compensation or recognition. Supporting them acknowledges their value & helps ensure they're not disadvantaged because of their responsibilities.

A magical week of exercise, dancing, memories, creativity, singing & banter ...all in the name of #football. Surprising stories, fancy footwork, colourful creations and brushing up on the geography amongst several generations! #WorldCup wellbeing! #carehomelife

There is no place for racism, hatred or fear in Scotland. Social care is built on dignity, compassion and human rights and those values must define our communities. We stand in solidarity with all those affected. Read our full statement: buff.ly/raApOEv

Better support leads to better outcomes for the person receiving care When unpaid carers have access to training, information & resources, they are better equipped to provide safe, effective & sustainable care. #CarersWeek

Let's take a moment to think about colleagues, friends & neighbours - people in our #community who don't feel safe right now: who feel lost, scared, unsure of their place in society. Please reach out, show #love not #hate. Criminals, from all walks of life, are the minority.

Flexible employment policies, respite & practical assistance enable carers to maintain their careers, studies & personal relationships while providing care. Just like you're still a parent when you're not at home, you're still a carer when you're not at home. #CarersWeek

#Caring can have a big impact on carers' wellbeing. Unpaid carers can experience stress, exhaustion, social isolation & mental health issues. Providing support, home & work, helps protect their physical & emotional health. It's important to #listen to their needs. #CarersWeek

In September, I'll have been a #nurse and a #carehome nurse at that, for 24yrs. What's changed? ↗️ Dependency of those living in care homes. ↘️Choice for those who can't pay for #care. ↗️Use of technology ↘️ Equity in information sharing ↔️Same devaluing of #carehome nurses.

Checking in on the relatives. Making sure they are coping, that they know there's someone to listen, to offer support. That's #essential #care. The #wellbeing of those close to residents impacts the residents themselves. #carehomelife

To find out more about #caring, the challenges faced by #unpaidcarers both at home & in the workplace and the impact of carer friendly communities, see: www.carersweek.org #CarersWeek

Unpaid carers provide essential care to family members, friends or neighbours - vital support that helps people to remain at home. Working closely with health & social care workers, they ensure the needs of those in their care are met by providing valuable advocacy. #CarersWeek

A grey morning at RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve but lots of babies to see and lots of insects including some mating moths! #nature

Found a wee friend behind my microwave this morning! I love moths, so underrated!

Watching the bees whilst tidying up the garden today & thinking about how communities thrive through cooperation, shared purpose & support. Every bee contributes to the success of it's hive —every person in the #carehome contributes to the #life of the home. 🐝

Delighted to see so much #natureconnection in the #carehome today for #30DaysWild. Nature brings people together with memories of spaces & faces, spurs all the senses enhancing inclusion in activities. Nature prompts physical activity & develops creativity. Nature #nurtures.

Raising awareness of lower limb & footcare,amongst staff, residents & relatives ahead of #legsmatter week 8th-12th June. For more info, head to legsmatter.org 🦵

Embedding learning in #carehomes is like a forest: strong shared roots, with every staff member free to grow their own way—upwards, outwards, or just standing strong—creating a richer, more compassionate, person-centred culture 🌳🌲🌳🌲 #diversify #grow #nurture

Join me & others on 10th June as we discuss cultural challenges faced by unpaid carers and the importance of creating inclusive, carer-aware workplaces. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cultural-c...

Hello June and hello new #bookclub theme. This month we move to 'medieval' and I've been loaned this book! Also have a sneaky second in the wings if I finish this before June's up! 📚

What weekends are made of...a trip on the Calmac over to Cumbrae to walk around the island (10miles). So many birds, butterflies, wildflowers & saw a pod of porpoises. Highlight was seeing baby oystercatchers and baby shelduck 😍. #natureismytherapy

Great stay at Stonewater House in Lamlash, Arran. A #vegan B&B so I didn't have to read labels on toiletries or worry about food choices. The breakfast portions were huge! Lovely room with a view to a 'rainforest' which brought lots of bird song. The room even had a bookcase.

Second and last day in #arran. I love this island - it really is Scotland in miniature!

A few days away on #Arran with Skye. How I love this island! So many holiday memories, so much wildlife, so many beaches...the best place. Staying in a vegan b&b too that is wonderful!

There's something so nostalgic about CalMac, even a short journey feels like an epic holiday. Heading over to Arran for a couple of days to celebrate Skye finishing her exams and finishing school altogether...a favourite place to make more memories.