Emotional farewell for nurse
Popular staff member retiring after 55 years
ROBIN Jackson says despite feeling like a piece of the furniture at St Andrew’s Hospital, after 55 years of nursing it was time to leave before the polish wore off.
In a few weeks’ time Ms Jackson, who is the nurse manager at the hospital’s cardiac rehab unit, is calling time on her days as a health-care professional.
A familiar and happy face greeting all those who have walked through the doors at St Andrew’s over the years, Ms Jackson reflected on a journey that saw a small-town country girl from Mungindi embark on career that spanned half a century and the lessons she learned along the way.
“It only seems like yesterday that I was a raw little country girl walking up the hill to the Royal Brisbane Hospital thinking ‘what am I doing’,” she recalled.
“I have never regretted it because I have always wanted to be in the career I have chosen.
“I never wanted to be anything else other than a health-care professional.”
Having treated patients from a variety of walks of life, from politicians to rugby league club presidents, her advice to any young nurse is pretty simple.
“Listen to advice, gain some experience and enjoy your career,” Ms Jackson said.
The legacy of Ms Jackson will live on when she walks out the gate for the final time.
Having watched the cardiac rehab unit grow from a small room 26 years ago, what she leaves behind is a facility proving a lifeline of the community - with half the equipment in the unit bought with funds Ms Jackson personally raised over the years.
Her final day, Ms Jackson said, would be met with a lot of emotions but mostly apprehension about the future.
With the extra time on their hands many retreat to the golf course upon retiring.
But not Ms Jackson. “I plan on gardening, improving my bridge and leading a very relaxing life,” she said.
“I can’t even think yet (about the last day). I think I will be very sad but there comes a time in one’s life for retirement.”