40 years of answering the call
17 Nov 2022
Registered Nurse Wieslawa, who goes by Wieska, shared her story of providing more than 40 years of patient care.
“I began my nursing journey in Poland in 1977 when we would sterilise by cooking our instruments in distilled water and make our own dressings by combining cotton swabs with gauze in a sterilising container.”
“I decided to move to Australia in the early eighties, after I heard that Australia needed nurses and answered the call,” she said.
“I completed my registered nurse training at the former Swan District Hospital (SDH) in 1982 and haven’t looked back since.”
In 2015, there was an air of excitement surrounding the transition from SDH to the new St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals.
“Everyone was very excited about the new beautiful big hospital and the transition was very well organised and professional,” Wieska said.
“I really enjoy working at Midland and have grown close to my colleagues so it more feels like family.”
“Likewise, we want our patients to feel like they’re at home. It’s our privilege to create an environment like that, not only for them but for us as well.”
Wieska believes nursing isn’t just a job, it’s a calling.
“I have always been a very caring and giving person. For me, nursing is such a privileged profession.”
Even after so many years caring for patients in Perth’s north east corridor, her belief in her calling and attitude towards her patients has never wavered.
“I feel the same way now. I like being with my patients, being on the floor, communicating with them and helping them in difficult times,” she said.
Outside of work, Wieska has raised two children who followed in her footsteps with careers in the medical field.
“I plan to retire at the end of the year but feel sad to be leaving. Nursing is such a big part of me so I know I will miss it but I know it is time,” She said.
We are grateful to have been part of Wieska, Krystyna and Allana’s long-serving careers, and look forward to witnessing the next chapter.