Oct 2020
Residents love Nurse Eleanor’s Caribbean heritage
Celebrating inspirational leaders in health and social care #BlackHistoryMonth
St Lucia born Eleanor Alexis has been a registered nurse for 25 years and says that she has seen attitudes to black culture evolve during her career.
Having spent 21 years working at various hospitals, four years ago Eleanor decided to move into social care and took up the role of a nurse at OSJCT Monkscroft Care Centre in Cheltenham. She said the role fulfilled an ambition to make a difference to people's lives in the community and wanted people to feel comfortable and relaxed leaving a loved one in her care.
Eleanor enjoys bringing parts of Caribbean culture to her Monkscroft family.
She said: “Monkscroft has embraced my culture and Caribbean experiences. The residents are always eager to hear about our rich Caribbean culture like carnival, dance, music, and food.
“Our residents and staff enjoy watching me dance around the home. Dancing is a big part of our culture in St Lucia and brings a smile to people’s faces.
“We invite residents and their loved ones to our employee celebrations, and everyone enjoys trying food from different parts of the world. We really are one big family at Monkscroft.
“Nursing is really evolving and working in a care home brings out the best in people. They are always eager to hear my stories and see the pics when I return from holiday at home. They have met my son and my two brothers and ask about them regularly.
“My residents miss me when I’m off for a few days and this brings so much joy to my heart. You got to love the residents because they are family."