THIS Friday, 12 May, is International Nurses Day, which recognises the valuable work done by nurses in the many different areas of the profession.

Registered Nurse at Great Lakes Aged Care, Anna Hamilton, said the occasion will be marked with a small celebratory morning tea during her normal shift.

“We actually celebrate by working, we are 24/7, so we always have to be here,” she said.

“It is a second home for us, the staff are like family, and we are like family to the residents, which makes it a very pleasurable environment to work in.”

Throughout her 30-year career, Anna has worked in orthopaedics at Nepean Hospital and as a Medical Centre Practice Nurse, before moving into aged care.

Anna said being able to provide individual care for aged residents, and ensuring their lives are as fulfilling as possible, has been a very rewarding part of her career.

“It’s been a lot of years of joy,” she said.

“Seeing the elderly well and happy, and seeing them feeling good about where they are and comfortable in this environment, makes you feel really good.”

Although there have been many changes to the profession over the years, Anna said the core values of compassion, care and commitment are still the primary focus of the job.

“We don’t have the matron come around and toss a coin on the beds anymore to make sure they are made properly,” she said.

“I think things are a lot more relaxed than what they used to be, but the practice of nursing itself never changes.”

Speaking with News Of The Area about the nurses special day of recognition, Anna acknowledged the dedication of her colleagues, who work together every day to provide high quality care for the residents.

International Nurses Day coincides with the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birthday, who was the founder of modern nursing.

 

By Daniel SAHYOUN