"It's the most rewarding job I know. It's hard work sometimes, but when you get a 'thank you' and a beautiful smile from someone, it just makes your day."
Camilla Lommerse is one of many dedicated nurses who care for seniors in Carinity aged care communities and home services across Queensland.
Camilla has worked as a nurse for 52 years, with around half of that time spent in the aged care sector. She has worked at Carinity aged care communities in Ipswich, Townsville, Brisbane and Rockhampton and is currently a Registered Nurse at Carinity Summit Cottages in Mount Morgan.
"I left school and went into nursing. I have had many different jobs in my nursing life such as casualty (now emergency department), prisons, heavy industry, film and television, and aged care," Camilla said.
"I find it fascinating to listen to the residents' stories and hear about their lives. They are wonderful people and make going to work a joy."
Carinity is paying tribute to our nurses on International Nurses Day. The global day of celebration is held each year on May 12, the anniversary of the birth of nursing pioneer, Florence Nightingale.
Amongst our dedicated nurses is Sapana Hamal Thakury, a Clinical Nurse (Infection Control) at the Carinity Clifford House aged care community in Brisbane.
She loves working in the "homely environment" in aged care and forging strong and ever-lasting interpersonal relationships with residents and their families.
"Many industries exist in which we can help others, whether that's childcare, teaching, care work or working with the elderly," Sapana said.
"For me, there is no real substitute for the intensely rewarding nature of working with the elderly. Their experience of life and stories are what I never get enough of.
"Working as an aged care nurse requires a lot of patience, kindness and compassion. For compassionate people, working with others in a role that feels like it truly means something is an important life pursuit."
