From Infantry Medic to Nurse Manager – Lee’s Story

To Celebrate International Nurses’ Day, we are sharing stories from a few of the many nurses that work in Care Plus Group’s wide range of services.

Lee Gibbs is the Manager of the Apollo Community Nursing team. He prides himself on giving 100% into everything he commits to, whether in work or his personal life. One value that he brought up was his compassion. He believes that we should treat others how we expect to be treated ourselves. He sees displaying care and compassion as a fundamental aspect of nursing.

When Lee’s at home, you can expect him to be riding or restoring motorcycles or working on his personal fitness.

We asked him what got him into wanting to become a nurse. Lee said:

“I started my medical career in 2006 when I joined the Army, and after qualifying as an infantryman, I became intrigued with the medical aspect. After several months training I qualified as a combat medic, where I deployed in Iraq as the platoon medic. Once back at my unit, I was appointed as the company medic and played a role in training the troops in first aid. I thoroughly enjoyed the aspect of being able to have the knowledge and skill to help people in need and potentially save lives.

“However, the Army could only take me so far in my medical career, so I left and began training to become an adult nurse.”

We then asked Lee what it is like to be a nurse. He said:

“Being a nurse can be very challenging. Being a nurse manager also has its challenges. Not only am I responsible for the patients I see, but for the staff and their wellbeing also. It can be hard work balancing all my tasks and putting the staff first.

“I am not really an emotional person and don’t tend to become stressed in situations. I try and think logically and problem-solve each task at a time.”

Lee continued and described some of his career highlights. He said:

“Throughout my medical career both in the military and as a nurse I have progressed, wanting to push myself and test my limits. Obtaining the company medic role, nurse team leader and now nurse manager role. I have also managed to complete my v300 course. I would say these are all highlights of my career.

We asked if Care Plus Group (CPG) has helped with his development. He said:

“I have always wanted to push myself and progress. CPG has helped me do that and given me the opportunity to progress in my job, which I enjoy. If staff show willingness to progress CPG will help you do that.

“In my job, I feel well supported and know that my manager is just a phone call or email away. I have been known to message out of working hours and would still obtain a response.”

At the end of the interview, we asked Lee what he would say to someone interested in becoming a nurse. He said:

“I think you need to be 100% committed to becoming a nurse. The training is hard. The job can be very challenging and emotionally draining, however it is a very rewarding job.”

We’d like to thank Lee for this in-depth look into the life of a nurse. Stay tuned all this week for more stories on CPG’s dedicated nurses.