A BROOMFIELD Hospital nurse has spoken of what she loves about her job - and how the profession has changed since the time of Florence Nightingale - to mark International Nurses' Day today.

The worldwide event takes place every year on 12 May, marking the birth date of Florence Nightingale, and is a celebration of all things nursing.

Nursing staff working through the pandemic have shattered the stereotypes of nursing and the world has seen first-hand the fundamental role nursing plays in patient safety.

Mid and South Essex Foundation Hospitals Trust nurses have spoken about what they love about their profession, and how it has changed over the decades.

Chloe Herbert, who works at Broomfield Hospital, said: "Of course it was all very different in Florence's day. Today, we all have voices and more platforms for discussion regarding changes and how we care for patients. There are a lot of male nurses and a lot of women are managers. I'm the first person to become a nurse in my family and I love it."

Chloe first joined Broomfield Hospital as a bank healthcare assistant in 2009 and is now an acting ward manager on a surgical ward.

It's a role that Chloe, from Writtle, loves.

She said: "For me, it is the best of both worlds as you have both a clinical and an admin role. It's great to still have that essential patient contact and I have loved leading a team. You are really supported here to help you progress in your role and I'm incredibly proud that this is my local hospital.

"Covid has been a real baptism of fire, but I am so proud of the team I lead and I certainly wouldn't be the manager that I am without them. We've really pulled together, even when we were redeployed to help on Covid wards. We all kept in contact and helped one another."

Chloe went onto explain why she chose her area of nursing.

"I've always enjoyed the surgical side of things as I'm fascinated by the modern technology. And I just love wounds! Nursing is a great job providing you have the compassion; it's a real vocation," she said.