My nursing career started in 1979 at Parkes District Hospital in NSW.
My hometown is famous for the movie ‘The Dish’ and the annual Elvis Presley birthday celebrations.
Like most nurses, I stayed in my hometown until the travel bug kicked in and the European big adventure beckoned.
After a couple of years, I returned in the mid-1980s and worked at Prince Henry Hospital and then at Royal South Sydney Hospital, where I worked in urology theatres, general theatres and palliative care.
My next move was to the Gold Coast Hospital with now husband, Dave, to complete a Bachelor of Nursing at Griffith University.
Once finished and married we moved to Brisbane.
I worked at Greenslopes Repatriation Hospital before starting my cardiac career at The Princess Alexandra Hospital, first in the Coronary Care Unit and then in the Cardiology Research Clinical Nurse role.
Working with the Cardiac Director and the Principal Investigator, my role was to recruit patients who met the study guidelines and capture vital information for many of today’s commonly used cardiac drugs.
Our beautiful daughter joined us in 1997, and in 2000 we moved to Beerwah when I started working at Caboolture Hospital.
My cardiology career continued with the Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Nurse role, implementing cardiac rehabilitation programs at Caboolture and Redcliffe hospitals.
The local Heart Support Australia, Caboolture and District Branch, was instrumental in campaigning to have a rehab program established locally.
I am still in touch with this wonderful community and especially enjoy interacting with the hospital-based support group.
My next career move was into the role of Clinical Nurse Consultant for the Heart Failure Service, which I’m happily still in today.
I provide symptom review, self-management coaching for this chronic disease, promote information sharing across all care providers, education about polypharmacy, discuss concerning recent hospital admissions and work together with patients and their carers.
The goal is to help patients improve their confidence in managing their chronic condition and implement Heart Failure Action Plans when symptoms worsen.
This role includes staff in-services and workshop presentations, supporting medical, nursing and school-based training students.
For years, I was known as the “Know Your Numbers” lady, flagging some high blood pressure measurements among our staff and encouraging them to seek GP review.
I also implemented and managed the Chest Pain Assessment Service along with my Heart Failure CNC role for some years.
Every day, I see Caboolture Hospital staff compassionately engaging with members of our community, providing support, understanding and assistance.
I believe we all have the most valuable tool available to support the growth of Caboolture Hospital – our smile and friendly ‘Hello’ when we greet everyone, every day.
I am so proud that my daughter, Caitlin, has joined me in this wonderful profession. She qualified as an Enrolled Nurse in 2021 and now works at Buderim Private Hospital.
Have you got a story to share? Email ckw-engage@health.qld.gov.au.