Nurse honoured by colleagues after battling back from Covid
Nurse honoured by colleagues after battling back from Covid
Simply returning to work at Sharston House nursing home, in #Knutsford, was a courageous step for Iuliana Ranger.
For the nurse spent two weeks in intensive care on a ventilator after contracting Covid 19 in April and was so weak when she left hospital she had to use a walking frame.
She was finally able to resume her nursing shifts at the end of August and her courage has been recognised with an employee of the month award for September. Along with a certificate, she was presented with flowers and chocolates.
Home manager Nishi Gottlieb said: “We were so glad to welcome Iuliana back to work. Her courage inspires all of us.
“The staff have been amazing during a very difficult time for the home. At the height of the pandemic we sadly lost six residents and one of our support workers, Napoleon Acero, a much-loved, long-serving member of staff, to Covid. Kingsley is like one big family and the company has supported Napoleon’s family.”
She said it had also been a fraught period for residents’ families who were unable to see their loved ones during the long coronavirus lockdown affecting all care homes.
“We are now thankfully free of Covid and welcoming new residents. It’s a fresh start for Sharston House. We have given the home a thorough makeover with decoration work and new furniture and bedding,” she said.
Mrs Ranger, 52, who trained to be a nurse in her original homeland of Romania, has worked at Sharston House for nearly two years.
She recalled that she first developed Covid symptoms on April 12 and six days later had to call an ambulance to her home when she was struggling to breathe.
Five months later she says she is still only 80pc fit.
“I have still got problems with my voice box and when I go upstairs I become short of breath after about 15 steps. I’m still only doing two shifts a week but I am glad to be back,” she said.
Caption: Iuliana, pictured with staff, holds her employee of the month award. Nurse assistant Barbara Wilson presents a further certificate to her as one of Kingsley’s nominated care heroes for a national competition.