I began my nursing career many moons ago at the Royal Brisbane Hospital.

I left to have my family and then returned to complete my nursing degree.

I also have a degree in music (piano) which I really love but don’t spend enough time enjoying.

There are several nurses in the family – my mother trained and then worked at the Royal Brisbane Hospital and my two daughters are Registered Nurses – one works in Day Procedure Unit at Caboolture and the other for Kidney Health.

I started at Caboolture in 2002 and quickly moved to the Critical Care Unit – caring for ICU, High Dependency and Coronary Care patients and was overseen by the Anaesthetic department.

At that time, our team was much smaller with four on day shift and three on evening and night.

In 2015, we joined with Redcliffe Hospital ICU and for several years shared consultants.

In 2019, we separated from Redcliffe and became the stand-alone Caboolture ICU with a full complement of Intensivists.

We also moved from our massive paper charts to the fully computerised system, Metavision, which was a big bonus.

Presently, I am a Nurse Manager with the CHRP team where I have the task of ensuring that ICU moves seamlessly from the current space to the new unit.

It’s exciting and challenging but the best part is being part of a whole new team and learning new skills.

Working with other senior nurses from the Surgical and Intensive Care Service Line, the new medical units and the Emergency
Department, has provided insight for all of us as we work together with the common goal of being ready on opening day for our
patients and their families.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren and family, music, footy and travel.

In fact, I’m writing this on my phone in Romania right now!

As we travel through this region, I’m thankful that we live in Australia where we have clean water, no conflicts and great healthcare.

I’m also very thankful to have my career and I absolutely love being an ICU nurse.

Above all, I feel privileged to work at Caboolture Hospital where I can walk down the corridors and people smile and
say hello and stop for a chat.

Have you got a story to share? Email ckw-engage@health.qld.gov.au.