Esther Johnson

Head of Care & Nursing Services, Registered Manager Askham Hall and Askham House

“My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive, and to do so with passion, humour and style.” This quote was written by Maya Angelou and what I believe to be my life quote.

Watching my father care for his patients from ill health to wellness with compassion, dignity and respect in many ways gave me a passion for nursing and this was further enhanced after caring for my late grandmother until she left this world. I became eager to pursue a career in which I will be able to help and care for people and I believe becoming a Nurse allowed me to accomplish this ambition.

I started my career as a Health care assistant then went on to train as a Nurse at Northampton university. I held my first staff Nurse post in 2004 at Kettering General Hospital, then went on to become a junior sister thereafter, a senior sister. I developed a keen interest in Nurse education, therefore, went on to complete a post graduate course in Nurse education and this earned me my NMC nurse registration as a Nurse Teacher.

Over the years I have worked not only in the NHS but also in social care, private, education and the prison settings in the role of management and nurse education. Experience gained over the years have allowed me the opportunity to be part of a community of Health and Social Care. That which I cherish.

While the fundamentals of Nursing/Care delivery can be taught, caring for me comes from within the heart. Going home knowing my patients/residents are comfortable reassures me of the work I set out to do in 2004. I enjoy sharing skills and knowledge learned over the years with others through mentoring, coaching and being a role model.