80-Year-Old Nurse Works in Emergency Room After More Than 5 Decades. Here’s What She Credits as Her Secret to a Long Life

**Celebrating a Lifelong Nursing Career: Iva Hills at 80**

Iva Hills, an inspiring figure in the nursing profession, continues to make a significant impact at Pilgrim Hospital in Lincolnshire, UK. At the age of 80, she boasts an impressive 55-year career in nursing, during which she has served in numerous capacities, including senior roles such as ward sister and matron. Her colleagues speak highly of her compassionate nature and her ability to mentor and inspire generations of nurses.

Jamie Hodgkins, Associate Director of Nursing, describes Hills as “the nurse we all aspire to be and the person we would want to care for our loved ones.” She highlights Hills’s remarkable dedication and the respect she garners from her peers, noting that Hills embodies the true qualities of a nurse, such as compassion and advocacy for patients.

Hills’s journey in nursing began with her training in Prague, where she obtained her nursing degree in 1963. However, her qualifications were not recognised upon her arrival in England, leading her to start her career as a healthcare support worker at Boston General Hospital. Determined to continue her passion, Hills later retrained as a nurse, allowing her the opportunity to work within the NHS.

Her first experiences at Pilgrim Hospital in the 1970s were particularly memorable. Hills recalls the site being akin to a construction zone, filled with mud and workers, and she found joy in witnessing the hospital’s growth and development firsthand. Over the years, she has worked in various wards, where she spent a decade serving as both a ward sister and matron—a testament to her commitment to patient care and the nursing profession.

Despite officially retiring in 2010, Hills has refused to step away completely from hospital life. Driven by her sheer passion for nursing, she continues to work shifts in the emergency department, describing her role there as akin to being surrounded by family. “I am just Iva, and I am here to support my colleagues and to care for our patients,” she expresses, showcasing her humility and dedication.

Throughout her career, Hills has witnessed significant advancements in the medical field, especially with the integration of technology into patient care. She asserts that creating a positive atmosphere for patients is essential in their recovery process, as a joyful demeanour can uplift spirits and motivate individuals to improve.

Hodgkins recounts her fortunate introduction to Hills when she interviewed for a position as a healthcare support worker in July 1999. She regards Hills as a guiding force throughout her own career, noting that their paths have crossed multiple times. “She is always very supportive,” Hodgkins reflects, reiterating that Hills commands respect effortlessly and serves as a role model for many nurses who have followed in her footsteps.

Outside of her professional life, Hills engages in regular exercise and adheres to a healthy diet to maintain her vitality. She indulges in various hobbies to keep her well-rounded, yet her passion for nursing remains at the forefront of her life. She expresses a desire to continue working for as long as possible, stating, “I’m carrying on for as long as I can, as long as I’m allowed.”

Iva Hills’s remarkable career serves as an inspiring blueprint for both current and aspiring healthcare professionals. Her unwavering dedication to patient care and to mentoring future generations of nurses speaks volumes about her character and commitment to the profession. As she continues to provide support within the emergency department at Pilgrim Hospital, her legacy of compassion and resilience endures, setting a standard that many strive to achieve.