I started at Caboolture Hospital in January 2005 as a permanent AO2 admin reliever.

I got put in everywhere and anywhere I was needed. It was crazy but a great way to get to know a lot about everything.

I worked in Outpatients when it was where Medical Imaging is now.

There was only one administration person on the desk. We had to answer phones, make all appointments and receive the patients when they came in.

Days flew by because we were so busy.

I remember we had lots of morning teas and everyone got on really well.

Then I went to Antenatal and that was a big change. As someone who didn’t have kids, I didn’t even know what ‘the gestational period’ was. It was hilarious.

After a few years, I did a few secondments and eventually landed my dream permanent job in education.

Back then the role was Corporate Staff Development Officer, now called Coordinator Learning and Development.

In my role, I do all the corporate orientations for new staff at CKW and assist with clinical orientation.

Over the years, I would have done orientation with thousands of new people. I love their enthusiasm and how bright and shiny new starters are. They want to be here and they’re excited to start.

Recently, I bumped into a staff member at Redcliffe Hospital and she said: “I remember you, you did my orientation 10 years ago!” That’s a hoot.

Before it all went online, we used to scenarios to cover mandatory training.

All the nurse educators would come in and we would have so much fun and we’d get such good feedback.

We were always looking at how we could make it less didactic and more fun and interactive.

In this role, you get to see every part of the hospital I’ve met so many beautiful people over the years.

What I love about our hospital is that I’ve been able to get involved in so many great things, like staff awards, events, fundraising, simply because I offered to help.

Here are some photos from over the years.

• Promoting Fiver for a Farmer. Caboolture raised $3000 in one day! (above middle).
• Supporting Nikia with the ‘Walk A Mile In My Thongs’ collection (above right).
• Pretending to have chest pains during a simulation in the new Outpatients building (above left).
• Raising money for Giving Day (top).

My advice for people who are starting out is put your hand up to help and get involved!

Whatever you’re interested in, keep an eye out for opportunities and go for them – you never know where it will take you and who you will meet.

Because we all know it’s not the building, it’s the people you work with that make it enjoyable.

I had never been in a job longer than four years before I started.

After 18 years, I am retiring next week, on the 25th of October.

My husband and I have our van, our dog and a bucket list.

We are going travelling, first in Australia and then we’re off to Alaska next year.

I’m going to miss everyone. It has been a privilege to be part of Caboolture Hospital for so long.

Have you got a story to share?

Email ckw-engage@health.qld.gov.au.