International Nurses Day 2023

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.

Catherine Gonzalez is the Clinical Care Coordinator at Burpengary 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?

I chose nursing, because as a small girl in England, three years of age, I would go to my aunty’s house in the evening. My aunty would tell stories of her work with the elderly, and loved her uniform which was navy and white with a frilly apron. I have been a nurse all my working life, it is all I have ever done, or wanted to do. Nursing is like a tradition in our family, with the female family members.

What do you enjoy most about working as a Clinical Care Coordinator at the home?

I love that I have the chance to get to know the residents and their families, through all the conversations we have over the years. Having the chance to celebrate milestone birthdays with the residents and their families, celebrating festive occasions with them as well. I also enjoy working as a team with my colleagues.

What is the most challenging about being a nurse?

The loss of the connections and friendships you have made with the families, after their loved has passed, because they have given you the opportunity to care for their loved one.

What is a special memory you have so far from your nursing career?

Working in the hospitals in England, nursing in the part of the hospital where the elderly were. About 40 years ago I was working in Scarborough, England, at St Mary's hospital where I became friends with another nurse, Stephanie. On a Sunday afternoon we would turn the radio on to the 'TOP20' and we would dance up and down the isle for the elderly patients. I have kept in contact with Stephanie for all these years.

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