2020 International Year of the Nurse & Midwife - March Edition

What year did you commence your nursing career?

I commenced my nursing career at Prince Henry Hospital at the tender age of 17 in 1984.

What hospitals have you worked at?

I have worked at many hospitals in Sydney over my career spanning + 30 years:

• Prince Henry Hospital – Neurology / Neurosurgical Ward
• Prince of Wales Public – Recovery CNS and CNE
• Kareena Private Hospital – HDU/ICU
• St George Public – Recovery
• St George Private - Recovery
• Prince of Wales Private – Neuro HDU and PACU
• St Vincent’s Private Hospital - Recovery

Whilst living in London during the late ‘80s, I had a long stint at The National Hospital for Nervous Diseases, St Pauls and St Thomas’s Hospitals. My London work experience provided an excellent opportunity for personal and intellectual growth.

Why did you choose to become a nurse?

I have an older sister who became a nurse and she was having a great time and I thought – “I want a piece of that”

What year did you commence employment at Hurstville Private Hospital?

I started at Hurstville Private Hospital in 2009 as a CNS in PACU. Previous to that, I had a career change and ventured off to become a Pharmaceutical Sales rep with Pfizer. I was with them for 5 years and achieved Rep of the year in 2005, however realised that nursing was my true passion.

I finally ended up as HPH’s Hospital Educator and presently Manage PACU/DSU

Provide us a highlight in your career that you would like to share.

I have many highlights throughout the years. My greatest highlight in recent times is seeing the development of such a fantastic group of nurses at Hurstville Private. We as a team, have all created an inclusive, efficient, autonomous and harmonious work environment.

The joyous highlight at Hurstville is the birth of 14 babies within my team, many baby showers, cakes and cuddles.

Celebrating 2020: International Year of the Nurse & Midwife:

March 2020 – Catherine Vallely Hurstville Private Hospital