Nursing looked a lot different 50 years ago – there were no surgical robots, no electronic medical records, no automatic blood pressure machines.
However, one thing that hasn’t changed is that Ramsay nurses Sue Engele, Louise Levy and Amanda McDowell are still helping others, and sharing laughs along the way.
Sue, Louise and Amanda met on February 7, 1972, at Royal North Shore Hospital as they began their nursing training together.
For Sue and Louise, they’d wanted to become nurses since they were young children. For Amanda, it wasn’t always so obvious, but she says she is “so glad I ended up choosing this career.”
In the late 1970s, the three moved to London to continue working as nurses while travelling the world.
Since then, nursing has taken them on different journeys, but they’ve remained close.
In 1998, Sue commissioned Ramsay Health Care’s first maternity service, at North Shore Private Hospital.
“Assisting couples with the birth of their baby is a special highlight of my career,” Sue said.
“And, of course, the wonderful arrival of three beautiful grandchildren born at North Shore Private Hospital!”
Sue said while nursing and healthcare has changed a lot over the years, it still brings her joy.
“I’ve had the opportunity to learn throughout my entire career, be challenged and use my skills to safely care for others. I’ve also had the opportunity to support and assist undergraduate nurses, registered nurses and registered midwives through their careers to achieve their goals,” she said.
“Today, there is a greater multidisciplinary and preventative approach to healthcare. Nurses are an essential part of the healthcare team and are respected professionals with greater opportunities to become specialised in different fields in nursing including the role of the Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Consultants.
“My advice to young nurses would be to look for opportunities and continue to learn throughout your career. Ask questions and find great role models. Always be professional, kind and assist others, and importantly, take care of yourself.”
Louise, who has spent time in midwifery and mental health nursing, also has advice for young nurses.
“It’s remarkable to think Sue Engele, Amanda McDowell and myself, have been wonderful friends for 50 years. This is all thanks to nursing,” Louise said.
“We three ladies have never had a fight, only laughs. Being able to laugh at ourselves has worked for us. Life as a nurse is challenging, tiring, rewarding and never boring!
“The advice I would give young people today who are planning on a career in nursing would be to stay true to yourself, be kind, patient and tolerant.”
Amanda, who for the last 17 years has been part of the theatre team at Ramsay Health Care’s Caboolture Private Hospital, said it’s all about the people.
“Nursing, to me, is still basically the same – the patient comes first and always has,” Amanda said.
“I have no idea where the time has gone, but my favourite thing is that Louise and Sue and our two nursing mates Lyn Morton and Helen Plummer are as close as the day we met.”
But it’s not just those relationships she cherishes.
“I have loved every minute, but I truly need to thank Yvonne Hemingway (Caboolture Private Hospital) for being one of the best leaders in my career,” Amanda said.
Amanda McDowell is currently a registered nurse at Caboolture Private Hospital, Louise Levy is a registered nurse at Hunters Hill Private Hospital and Sue Engele is Ramsay Health Care Australia’s National Patient Experience and National Complaints Officer.
