40 years on - nurse trainees reunite at Maryborough Hospital

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MBH reunion

Nurses gathered in Maryborough from as far a Melbourne to reconnect, 40 years on from the start of their careers.

Reunion organiser Maree Hooper said it a heartwarming experience to reconnect back in Maryborough.

"We commenced our nursing journey in Maryborough in 1984, and the memories we shared during our time together are truly precious," she said.

“It was interesting that so many of us remembered certain patients during our time there.”

During the three year course, the women lived together in the original nurses’ quarters.

A highlight of the catch up was a tour of the Maryborough Hospital Museum.

“The museum was fabulous and meeting up with the beautiful ladies who look after and nurture it was so special,” Maree said.

“We all had worked under them during our training.

“The tour of the hospital was also very special, especially looking in to Ward 2 which is now a store room. It brought back so many memories of the old wards.”

Remarkably, 13 out of the 14 attendees continue to work in various nursing positions.

Maree said the nursing journey is very different now compared to when they completed their training, but emphasised the ongoing importance of putting the patient first.

“If you always keep forefront in your mind that you are your patient’s advocate during a vulnerable time in their lives, then you will always be the best nurse you can be.”

After spending the weekend reminiscing, attendee Trudy Hawkins said she hoped other groups would be inspired to organise their own reunion.