Biography: Jenny Booth
Nursing background
I started my nursing career in 1964 by undertaking a pre-basic orthopaedic nursing course in Oxford, completing my SRN training in 1969. I worked in orthopaedic operating theatres for 8 years and then worked as a clinical teacher for pre and post basic students undertaking orthopaedic and A&E courses. I then spent 7 years working permanent nights at a local hospice before returning to clinical teaching, becoming a Professional Development Nurse for an elective orthopaedic trust and later taking up posts of Quality Lead and finally Acting Director of Nursing.
I undertook a Diploma in Nursing followed by an Open University BA degree and hold a Risk Management Certificate.
Since leaving the NHS in 1998 due to redundancy/early retirement, I have been the Registered Manager/Senior Co-ordinator for a registered charity, now a Domiciliary Care Agency providing in-the-home care for children with severe mental and/or physical disabilities. I also work as a trainer examiner for the British Red Cross First Aid courses.
For 14 years, I have been involved in a nurse development programme for nurses from the Baltic Republics, mainly Latvia and in 2003 was runner-up in the International Category of the Nursing Standard Nurse of the Year Award.
I have recently been appointed to the editorial panel of the Journal of Orthopaedic Nursing.
Royal College of Nursing
I was active at a local level with the Society of Orthopaedic Nursing for many years and finally joined the National Steering Committee in 1998. I have been a Learning Representative for the South Oxon Branch and Branch Chair for the past 2 years. I took up a seat on the South East Regional Board in March 2003 and was elected to RCN Council in October 2004.
Outside Interests/other life activities
I have two sons, one a third year nursing student the other a trainee youth worker. To relax, as a hobby I make and restore stained glass, leaded glass and copper foil panels. I am the Honorary Secretary for the Wingfield League (for past members of staff of the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre) and have an interest in the history of nursing, especially orthopaedic nursing.