On International Nurses Day we recognise the wonderful work of our caring, professional, and compassionate nurses and thank them for their endless dedication to the care of our residents.
Bronwyn Ling is the Clinical Care Coordinator at Wallsend Manor Aged Care and she shares what inspired her to enter nursing and what drives her in her career.
Why did you choose to do nursing as your chosen career and what does it mean to you?
Growing up I was never going to be a nurse because mum was and when she came home after work she had a 'nursing smell' that I didn't like. But then I believe nursing chose me!
After being a retail manager for many years I became bored so I ventured into and completed a science degree in Cellular Biology, which I enjoyed thoroughly, but then found myself being told that 'you are over qualified' for each position applied for in the Newcastle / Hunter area. Then the Mater Hospital were looking for researchers, which required you to be a RN as well, so off I went to study. I then fell in love with nursing and have not thought about anything else.
What do you enjoy most about working as a Clinical Care Coordinator at the home?
The team that I work with and making life a better experience for our residents in aged care. I feel like I can make a difference.
What is the most challenging about being a nurse?
Stress. Sometimes the stress emotionally can be challenging on the mind.
What is a special memory you have so far from your nursing career?
A resident that passed away very unexpectedly. She had never spoken a word since her admission many years prior and her husband attended the facility every day to assist her with lunch. After her husband had left on this day the care staff asked if I could just look at her as they felt she wasn't her usual self.
On entering her room I looked and turned to the staff and asked if her husband had left the building yet, which he had. She then held my hand and gave me a beautiful smile and then spoke very quietly
'It will be okay,' and she then passed away at that moment.
I will always remember that smile and the words she spoke.
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