This International Nurses Day we celebrate and recognise our amazing local nurses like Mater Hospital’s Ashlynn Andreoli who has spent more than 10 years caring for and helping others.
Ms Andreoli was born in Claudy, Northern Ireland, but has been calling Bundaberg home for two decades.
Having moved to the Wide Bay region in search of new opportunities in 1998, she said she realised her lifelong dream of caring for others as a nurse.
“I moved to Bundaberg, met my husband and decided to settle here and start a family. We
now have two beautiful children together,” Ms Andreoli said.
“I began studying for my nursing degree, and then was lucky enough to get a job as an
assistant nurse at Mater Private Hospital Bundaberg in 2011 while I was completing my course.
“When the opportunity arose to join the team at Mater as a registered nurse, I jumped at it
and I haven’t looked back.”
International Nurses Day a time to reflect for Bundaberg nurse
On International Nurses Day, Ms Andreoli said her job continued to bring a smile to her face.
“I find nursing so diverse and have never once regretted my career decision,” she said.
“I’ve seen patients in pain for years and then literally jump out of bed post-surgery.
“Each and every day as a nurse makes me smile.”
Ms Andreoli said the diversity of the role kept it interesting and she encouraged other would-be nurses to follow their career dream as she had done.
“Every day is different,” she said.
“It’s not a cookie cutter approach, and there are so many different avenues you can go into.”
Ms Andreoli works across both medical and surgical areas at the hospital.
“Despite some days being crazy and busy, it’s just so rewarding to know that I’ve helped
someone or their family,” she said.
“I love my job and will never tire of it.
“Whether I’m working one-on-one with a patient or supporting families when they most need, I love helping them return to their old selves and be able to walk out well again.”
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