Florence Graham attended the School of Nursing’s 85th Anniversary celebration in 2004 and captivated many with stories from her long career in public health nursing. Not only did she influence the field of nursing through her professional career, she also made an effort to stay in contact with students, and inspire them on their own nursing journey.
Nora Whyte, BSN ’73, was first inspired by Florence when Nora was a grade eight student asking herself her first tentative questions about what she might like to be when she grew up. Florence was the Public Health Nurse who came to Nora’s school to administer immunizations and encouraged Nora to explore Nursing by providing her with a patient ear and plenty of information. Later, as a UBC Nursing student, Florence influenced Nora’s path once again by becoming Nora’s practicum supervisor. Of working with students, Florence has said “it’s just part and parcel of the job. You want to serve as a good role model and ensure that they get the best training and education they can get.”
Right after graduation, Florence entered the work force as a Public Health nurse for the Vancouver Metropolitan Health Board, the New Westminster School Board and the Ministry of Health in Cowichan. After moving to Vancouver Island, Florence worked as the Night Supervisor at the Kings Daughters Hospital before returning to public health nursing with the Ministry of Health at the Central Vancouver Island Health Unit, Margaret Moss Health Center.
Florence was a member of many health and nursing related boards, she loved her family and friends, and was a constant source of inspiration to students and nurses throughout the lower mainland, and especially at UBC.
Please read her Amazing Alumni Story.