International Nurses Day 2020

11 May 2020

Nurses hold a special place in the hearts of many – especially in recent months. Today (Tuesday, May 12) is International Nurses Day (IND) and we look forward to celebrating the compassion, skill and care of our 300 nurses across a range of VMCH aged care, disability, educational and allied health services.

Here are a few thoughts from some of our highly valued nurses:

Judy Dalton, Registered Nurse, St Paul’s College

“I am in a job share position here at St Paul’s College; working with children who have disabilities, some of whom have complex medical needs as well. I think I was always interested in the field of health. I love that with my job each day can be quite different; I feel that I am always learning. I love having the opportunity to be a positive presence in a child’s healthcare journey and provide them with support and empowerment when negotiating their day-to-day challenges. To be able to make a positive difference to someone is what I find rewarding.”

Lee-Ann Walch, Registered Nurse/Care Coordinator, Short-Term Restorative Care Program

“I wanted to be a nurse from childhood because I liked caring for people. As a young hospital trainee (pictured) I learnt there was much more to being a nurse than simply caring. I was taught the science of health, the practical and physical aspects of individual care and just as importantly, to be an advocate for the people too ill to raise their own voice.

Many years and much experience later, I swapped wards, shift work and the uniform for community in-home aged care, where I am now a Care Coordinator for VMCH Short-term Restorative Care program in the Hume region. I use all my learned skills to liaise with other health care professionals and community service providers. Together, we ensure our frail aged clients receive the care and services that enable them t remain at home for as long as they wish. I feel lucky and privileged to be welcomed into the homes and lives of our clients and be entrusted with their care.”

Asha Vincent, Registered Nurse, Community Home Support Program

“My motivation to become a nurse started during my second round of nursing placements in an oncology day unit. As a trainee nurse I would offer patients doing chemotherapy morning tea. The smiles I saw on their tired faces assured me that I was in the right career path of helping others.

Wellness is a major aspect of my role in the Commonwealth Home Support Program; identifying early signs of illness to promote disease prevention and providing education on general wellness. It is not mainstream nursing but an opportunity for holistic care of clients. My learning in this role is never ending. What I really enjoy in my work here at VMCH is getting to know the clients; everyone has a wonderful and different story to tell. It is gratifying to know you are putting 100 percent into the job and your clients.”

Thank you to all of our incredible VMCH nurses and those across all health fields.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.