After nearly 60 years working as a nurse, Jennie Jacobs knows what it takes to pursue a career in health care.
“It takes a special person to become a nurse,” Mrs Jacobs says.
“You need to be calm, empathetic, compassionate, and be dedicated to treating patients as if they are someone you know.
“You must also have good life skills, critical thinking, good attention to detail, and always advocate for your patients.”
Ahead of International Nurses Day on Friday 12 May, Mrs Jacobs, who recently retired from her role as Director of Nursing at Bordertown Memorial Hospital, has reflected on her own nursing career which began in 1964.
Over the years, Mrs Jacobs has witnessed great changes in nursing and midwifery.
She says that while the basics of nursing have not changed, people have become more educated and there have been drastic improvements to research, technology, work health and safety, buildings, documentation and communication.
“Nursing is a career that will give you the personal satisfaction of caring for people," Mrs Jacobs says.
"You will experience the happiness in delivering new life but also the sadness in farewelling life.”
The current Director of Nursing at Bordertown Memorial Hospital, Melissa Perry, has paid tribute to Mrs Jacobs who recently stepped down after 22 years in the role.
“Her strong work ethic, stamina and ability to rise to unique challenges faced by country nurses continues to influence and guide those of us who are fortunate enough to have worked alongside her over the years,” Mrs Perry said.
Bordertown Memorial Hospital is part of the Limestone Coast Local Health Network, which employs approximately 1520 dedicated staff who strive to meet the needs of the community by providing the highest level of health care.
For 58 years, Mrs Jacobs was one of the many dedicated nurses and midwives around South Australia who display compassion, professionalism and commitment in helping patients in the public health system.
International Nurses Day is celebrated every year on 12 May. It’s an opportunity to honour and celebrate South Australian nurses, who provide care and compassion to the South Australians who need it most. It is held on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who was an English nurse, social reformer and statistician born on May 12 in 1820.
