Everyday Tamworth Nurse Kim Watkins goes to work, she is saving lives. That is the true meaning of a Superhero, and a Nurse.
Kim has spent her entire 14-year nursing career in Tamworth and is currently a Clinical Nurse Educator and Clinical Nurse Specialist in Tamworth’s operating theatres.
“Growing up there was always a part of me that was drawn to nursing,” Kim said.
“Caring for my Nanna, both in her own home and in hospital, I was chatting to nurses and asking questions and when the opportunity to study nursing after finishing my HSC was offered to me, I saw it as a chance to help others and to have a rewarding career with job security.”
The role of a Nurse is ever changing, and no two days are the same, but for Kim it is a rewarding and exciting journey she is proud to call her career.
“Working in the operating theatres at Tamworth Hospital, I know that every day I make a difference in not only our patients’ lives but also nurses who are at the beginning of their career,” said Kim.
“I never take for granted that I have an impact on people at what is sometimes the scariest, most vulnerable and life changing situation people will face.”
Our nurses see it all, the good, the bad and the in between, and for Kim that is the push she needs to continue.
“I have a quote on my white board in my office from Florence Nightingale, ‘I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excess’. This reminds me even on days when I struggle that ‘giving up’ isn’t an option, it’s a chance to make a difference and change what is happening.”
Today, Friday May 12, we would like to acknowledge the incredible efforts of all nurses around the globe as we celebrate International Nurses Day. This year’s theme is promoting Our Nurses, Our Future, is a key message close to Kim’s heart.
“We need to celebrate the amazing difference we make as nurses and inspire the next,” she said.
And she encourages more people to consider a career in nursing.
“Nursing is a career that touches people across all aspect of their lives.”
“International Nurses Day give us, the nurses, a day to celebrate the amazing career that we all have developed over many years, and it allows us to acknowledge those within the nursing profession for their outstanding practice, innovation and their leadership within the profession.”
This International Nurses Day we want to say thank you to all our nurses. We truly appreciated the time, effort and compassion provided in our time of need. Thank you.
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