Redland Hospital enrolled nurse Michelle Watkins is celebrating 40 years with Queensland Health, having worked across major hospitals and specialties since starting her career at the Royal Brisbane Hospital in 1985.
“Nursing has given me so much, and I am deeply grateful for every opportunity to make a difference,” Michelle said. “Over the past 40 years I’ve seen lots of change - some gradual, some groundbreaking and some that would make today’s nurses’ shake their head in disbelief.
“When I started, we didn’t have computers. Our charting system was a pen, a clipboard, and good penmanship – or at least legible hieroglyphics,” she said. “Infection control has come a long way too, from wiping things down with methylated spirits to the robust practices we have today.
“I’m proud to have played a part in that evolution.”
Michelle began her career in mental health, later moving into medical, surgical and paediatric roles at both Royal Brisbane and Logan Hospitals.
She gained experience in areas including burns, plastics, ENT, wound care, orthopaedics, and paediatrics, and spent nine years with Logan Hospital’s Multidisciplinary Infectious Disease Clinic, where she also served as a Hand Hygiene Auditor.
Three years ago, she returned to her mental health roots, joining the Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit at Yugaipa, Redland Hospital.
Michelle was recently recognised for her four decades of service at a staff awards ceremony.
“Nursing has given me so much, and I am deeply grateful for every opportunity to make a difference,” she said. “My advice to nurses is to stay curious. Ask questions. No one expects you to know everything. Be present, be kind and stay open to learning, always.
“It has been an incredible journey — one that I will always cherish.”