Mater Townsville celebrates International Nurses Day
Being a nurse means the world to Nam Bassi
Today is International Nurses’ Day and Mater Private Hospital Townsville is proudly celebrating the incredible efforts of its 677-strong nursing community.
For Mater Townsville paediatrics nurse, Poonam ‘Nam’ Bassi, nursing is the best job in the world – a role that inspires both her and her children.
“Every day when I return home after a shift the first thing my kids ask is how many patients I looked after and if the children in hospital are going to be OK,” Nam said.
It means the world to me that my own children are as proud of the work I do as I am.Nam Bassi
Nam’s full-time nursing career began 18 months ago after she graduated from Mater’s Diploma of Nursing course in Townsville.
“Mater was so supportive throughout my studies, so I was thrilled to be offered a permanent place after I graduated,” she said.
“While it can be tough at times, nursing is an incredibly rewarding job, especially when I get to see our patients finally able to return home.
“I love caring for the children, but also supporting parents through what can be a heart-wrenching experience for them.”
Mater Private Hospital Townsville Executive Officer Libbie Linley is a former nurse and has a deep understanding of the challenges – and the fulfilment –that comes with the job.
“With great adversity comes great reward and I am immensely proud of Mater’s nursing community – particularly during what has been the toughest time in healthcare we have ever experienced,” Ms Linley said.
“There are significant pressures on nurses, but you would never know it as they are completely committed to the needs of our patients and providing high quality, compassionate care.
“While days like today are wonderful to officially celebrate our nursing community, to me, every day is nurses’ day.
“Without them we would not be able to care for and support our patients through their journey to recovery – which is our number one priority.”
