A nursing career spanning half a century is about to come to an end.
Barb Wiltshire will hang up her uniform after 50 years in the role including the final 15 with Bellarine Community Health (BCH).
At 68, Barb’s retirement marks the end of an era for both BCH and the many clients who have benefited from her expertise and warm, compassionate approach to nursing.
Barb’s nursing story began in 1975 when she started her training at the Royal Children’s Hospital, following her childhood dream of working with babies and young children.
Moving from Donald, in country Victoria, she completed a four-year course that included three years at the Royal Children’s Hospital and one year at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
“Originally I wanted to work with babies and young children, but I was encouraged to do general nursing,” Barb said.
Good advice as Barb’s 50-year career has seen her work in hospitals, aged care, medical clinics and eventually community health, and all of that while juggling the demands of raising four children.
“Our nursing here at Bellarine Community Health is one of the best you can get,” Barb said.
“BCH nurses are very supportive of each other, nothing’s too much trouble for any of the nurses. There’s so much support – if you’re stuck or busy, anyone will help.”
As a senior nurse at BCH, Barb has found joy in mentoring younger colleagues.
“I’m the oldest nurse at BCH and there’s lots of younger nurses, and I love them because they’re about the same age as my children,” she said.
“I just feel like I can relate to them so much, which is wonderful. I think it keeps me young – we have lots of chats that I do enjoy.”
