A privilege to care

10 May 2023

Being employed at St John of God Health Care for 22 years, Helen Barry has worked across a variety of roles. When she was originally considering a career in nursing it was her love of caring for people and the diversity of roles that she found particularly attractive. 

“The idea of being able to do something so small to help heal someone or bring a smile to their face was very satisfying to me,” Helen said.

“I always embraced every learning opportunity and let experiences guide my way. This is still my mantra.”

Currently working as the Nurse Unit Manager, Comprehensive Cancer Centre at St John of God Bunbury Hospital, Helen said her previous role as a Clinical Research Nurse over many years provided her with a solid framework and knowledge around cancer medicine and implementation. 

“It was extremely fulfilling to be able to facilitate the provision of cancer treatments to patients that would not have otherwise been made available to them if they weren’t on a clinical trial,” she said.

“The follow-up phases and involvement with patients long-term was extremely rewarding.”

Helen often gets told that working in oncology must be a really hard job, but she said the Comprehensive Cancer Centre exudes a sense of hope and happiness due to the patient’s positivity and the team she is surrounded by. 

“The specialty area of oncology nursing is exceptionally rewarding. We are a key component in a patient’s cancer journey from diagnosis through treatment and beyond – we educate, provide hope, comfort and support, assess and advise, nurture and celebrate,” she said.

“Our hearts are touched everyday by the patients (and their families) who show continual strength and courage. They are the real heroes.”

Reflecting on her time at St John of God Health Care, Helen said her most memorable moment was when she was a junior nurse caring for a palliative care patient in his final days. 

“I looked after him over many days until he peacefully passed. This upset me greatly as I felt the raw emotion of the family and their broken hearts,” she said.

“When I entered the room to say a final goodbye the son turned to me and said ‘thank you for all of your care, you have treated my dad like a KING’.

“I have always reflected on the saying ‘it was not what you said, or what you did – it was how you made them feel’. It is always a privilege to care.”

Nurses make up more than 50 per cent of our workforce and work across a diverse range of specialties at the bedside and beyond.

We thank and celebrate the excellent nurses we are fortunate enough to have as caregivers at St John of God Health Care as part of International Nurses Day on 12 May.