UCLH nurse’s incredible 60 years’ service

This year, Carole Jordan, senior staff nurse in Endoscopy, is celebrating an incredible milestone – 60 years’ service as a nurse. 

Carole’s nursing career began in 1965, following training at what is now the Royal London Hospital. “I managed to train in both adult and paediatric care, which is unusual now. This meant I was able to move around early in my career, experiencing different hospitals and environments. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have such variety as a nurse, and to have supported and cared for so many different people.” 

Her association with UCLH began when she spent six months at UCLH’s legacy hospital – the former Middlesex Hospital London – shortly after qualifying. 

Since then, Carole has had four separate spells at University College Hospital. She returned most recently in 2014, where she continues to work as a senior staff nurse, treating patients in our Endoscopy Unit.  

It was while working at UCLH, that Carole met her husband, and where she first landed a senior nursing position, meaning UCLH is entwined in many milestones, both professional and personal. 

Reflecting on the differences between nursing then and now, she said: "My granddaughter is currently training and it's interesting to compare our experiences. The profession has expanded in remit, with nursing having much more academic training these days.” 

With a career spanning six decades, Carole has experienced a lot of memorable moments, some positive and some serious. “I was fortunate to spend time at Harefield Hospital and was very much involved in the early days of heart transplantation there – even working with Sir Magdi Yacoub in recovery and in theatres. I did that for six months to a year, but sadly we lost a lot of the children, and I found that very difficult to cope with.” 

Carole also recalls one particular shift early in her career. "I was on night duty in April 1966, when a message came through that there had been a shooting in The Blind Beggar pub across the road and we were put on standby. It turned out to be the infamous crime committed by Ronnie Kray – I’m really showing my age there!” 

Over Carole’s career, she’s never stopped learning, completing a nursing degree at King’s College and a postgraduate diploma in medical ethics. She continues through sheer passion for her patients. “I still love to be with the patients, even as a sister. I always feel if you are hands-on as a sister, you can see and feel what is going on. 

“I'm very happy to have enjoyed the career I have, and I hope I'll still be here for a while to come.” 

Vanessa Sweeney, chief nurse, said: “I am in awe of Carole. Her dedication and commitment to delivering exceptional care has made a profound impact on the countless lives you have touched, and I know her story will inspire many more.” 

David Probert, chief executive, said: “I am amazed by Carole’s journey. Her commitment to the profession, to caring for others and sharing her wealth of expertise, is admirable and I would like to congratulate her on this incredible milestone.”