Pacific Care Celebrates Remarkable Nurses on International Nurses Day
At Pacific Care, we are incredibly proud to celebrate our dedicated and compassionate nurses on International Nurses Day. From Mosswood in Paisley to Lillyburn and Birdston in Kirkintilloch, our nursing teams go above and beyond to provide exceptional care to the residents they support every single day.
This year, we’re taking the opportunity to not only acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our nurses, but also to celebrate the creativity and passion they bring to their roles. To mark this special day, our homes are hosting celebrations to thank our nursing teams for everything they do. At Mosswood, staff and residents are enjoying a BBQ, while at Lillyburn, a pizza party is being held in appreciation of their hard work. These gatherings may be small gestures, but they are a meaningful way to show just how much we value our nursing teams. At Birdston Care Home, International Nurses Day was marked with a fantastic lunch celebration, featuring a delicious spread of food and cakes for staff and residents to enjoy together. To honour the team’s dedication, posters were displayed around the home from both the Home Manager and Deputy Manager, offering heartfelt thanks to the nursing staff. Residents also joined in the celebrations by creating their own posters, sharing thoughtful messages about what makes a good nurse.
Going Above and Beyond
At Mosswood Care Home, we’re thrilled to recognise two exceptional nurses who have gone above and beyond to enhance the lives of our residents.
Sharon Chalmers, a nurse in the Gryffe Unit, is known for her boundless creativity and commitment to bringing joy to our residents. She regularly organises themed events that bring everyone together, creating unforgettable memories for both residents and their families. One of her most recent successes was a Great Gatsby-themed party, complete with 1920s décor, live entertainment, and glamorous costumes. The event was a spectacular celebration of life, with residents, families, and friends all coming together to enjoy the festivities.
In addition to her event planning talents, Sharon also played a pivotal role in the creation of Nana’s Tearoom, a welcoming café-style space within the Gryffe Unit. Developed in collaboration with her colleague Tracey, the tearoom offers residents and their families a comfortable space to enjoy tea, coffee, and home baking. With its cosy pink décor and comfy seating, it’s become a beloved hub in the unit. Eileen Macpherson, a resident at Mosswood, now helps run the tearoom, bringing her own charm and humour to the space. Proceeds from Nana’s Tearoom go toward the Residents’ Fund, further enhancing the community spirit at Mosswood.
Meanwhile, Jackie Buchanan, the Team Leader at Mosswood, is being celebrated for her creation of Memory Lane, a reminiscence room designed to support residents living with dementia. The room is filled with vintage items—such as a classic Singer sewing machine, retro clothing, and record players—all thoughtfully selected to help spark memories and conversations. Thanks to generous donations from the local community, Memory Lane has become a powerful tool for engaging residents, as well as a space where staff can connect with them on a deeper level.
Jackie shared, “The idea to create Memory Lane originated from my experience at the Glasgow Museum Resource Centre, where I used memory boxes to trigger memories and encourage conversation. I wanted to do something similar for our residents, but it quickly grew into Memory Lane—a place where residents and staff come together to share stories and experiences. It’s not just for the residents, but also for the staff who get to know them better.”
One memorable moment occurred during a recent session when the “War Box” was selected. One resident shared a poignant story about her journey from Malaysia to Britain during World War II. She recalled how her boat had to maintain radio silence while being followed by a Japanese submarine—an experience that left everyone captivated, almost like a scene from an old black-and-white movie.
“These aren’t just projects—they’re lasting gifts to our residents,” said Pauleen Stevenson, Home Manager at Mosswood Care Home. “Sharon, Jackie, and their colleagues have created experiences that go far beyond the usual day-to-day care. Whether it’s hosting a beautiful themed party, offering a cosy space for residents and families to connect, or creating a reminiscence room to spark conversation, their work brings warmth, purpose, and a true sense of community to Mosswood.”
Celebrating Compassionate Nursing Across Pacific Care
Beyond Mosswood, the nurses at our other homes also continue to make a profound difference every day. At Lillyburn Care Home, Lauren McBride shared how rewarding it is to provide end-of-life care to residents and their families: “Supporting families during end-of-life care is incredibly meaningful. Recently, I had the privilege of helping a resident pass peacefully, knowing their family felt supported and comforted.”
Similarly, at Birdston Care Home, Noel Abourjaily shared the sense of fulfilment he feels in his role: “There’s no greater reward than helping someone and seeing the joy or comfort it brings. I love being part of a team that supports one another and building lasting relationships with our residents and their families.
"There is no job more rewarding than being a nurse. The gratitude you receive from those you help can provide an overwhelming sense of joy. If it's in your heart and mind to make a difference in someone's life, then go for it. But remember, it can be a challenging job—don't give up when the going gets tough."
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Nursing Teams
On International Nurses Day, Pacific Care extends its heartfelt thanks to all of our nursing staff. Their kindness, strength, and unwavering commitment are the foundation of each care home. They touch the lives of every resident, every day, and their impact is felt not only by the residents but by their families and colleagues as well.
We are incredibly proud of our nurses, and we will continue to support them as they continue to enrich the lives of those in our care.
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