After taking up a paid training opportunity at the Mercy Hospital in Albury Bernadette has gone on to fulfill four decades in a vocation that was not initially on her radar.
“I probably had the weakest stomach in my family. I was even sickened by the sight of a headless chook,” Bernadette joked.
“When I finished high school, I was cleaning rooms at Cypress Gardens Resort but knew I needed to do something more as a career.
“Training opportunities as a nurse were an option but it took three months to apply for, but then an opportunity came up at the Mercy Hospital in Albury, so I grabbed it.”
The new training position suited Bernadette being so close to Yarrawonga.
“It was hard at the time though, but it was the best thing I ever did.”
Soon after her training was completed, she started working at the Yarrawonga Hospital now Yarrawonga Health, where she has worked for close to 40 years.
Since then, many locals will have come across Bernadette with her caring nature and trademark smile.
“I have worked with some wonderful people over the years and worked for many wonderful families and locals.”
Somewhat humble in retiring Bernadette told the Yarrawonga Chronicle she will continue to hold onto her motto of “treating people how you would like to be treated”.
“It has served me well as a district nurse.
“It has been a privilege to provide people with the care they need in their own homes.
“The rewards outweigh any negatives for sure,” she said.
Such a broad role, working with patients and families from palliative to those in chemotherapy, Bernadette said the skill set of a district nurse has evolved over the last four decades and has become more critical in the healthcare industry.
“It really has changed and has become so important to supporting our health service.”
Yarrawonga Health CEO Elaine Mallows congratulated Bernadette on her retirement and for her many contributions throughout her extensive nursing career, to the health service, patients and the community.
“Her professional experience and compassion were evident in her work and she was a valuable asset to YH and a great colleague,” Ms Mallows said.
“Yarrawonga Health - as do I, wish Bernie the best in her future endeavours.
“Retirement will surely offer up many new opportunities, which I know she will embrace wholeheartedly.”
Bernadette is now looking forward to spending more time with family in retirement along with a few planned holidays on the horizon.
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