Clinical Nurse Pauline King has made countless contributions during her three decades at PA Hospital, with an unexpected placement at the start of her career ultimately defining her path.
She graduated from Sydney University in 1994 before starting as a graduate nurse in Urology at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
“I actually numbered Urology tenth on my list of preferred rotations, but I was given that ward anyway. Turns out it was meant to be,” she laughed.
“I’m so glad fate had other plans. I’ve loved Urology because it’s fascinating and really interesting. There’s always so much to learn.”
In 1995, Pauline’s family moved to Brisbane so she started at PA Hospital and never looked back.
“I stayed in the nursing quarters when I first arrived and started out on the respiratory ward,” Pauline recalled. “A job came up in Urology, I moved across and I’ve been there ever since.”
Over her 30 years at PAH, Pauline progressed from Registered Nurse to long-serving CN, working across continence nursing, the outpatient clinic as a case manager, and eventually helping shape the education structure for new nurses.
“Another nurse and I helped create the first Clinical Facilitator role on Ward 4A,” she said. “We instigated a lot of the training modules you see today so it was a really rewarding role.”
She has also witnessed extraordinary change across the profession.
“Back in the day, everything was on paper and nursing was very segmented.”
“Now nurses work much more collaboratively with allied health and medical teams. We’ve become more skilled, have more autonomy, and information is shared openly, especially now as a Magnet® hospital. Everyone’s role is important.”
After three decades of dedicated service, Pauline is closing one chapter at PAH and opening another closer to home, on the Gold Coast.
While she’s looking forward to a shorter commute and a new professional challenge, she said PAH will always hold a special place in her heart.
“Urology patients are very nice and it’s incredibly satisfying looking after them,” she said. “I’ve also made some really great friends on the ward. We work so well as a team, and having that support makes all the difference.”
“I’ve really enjoyed working here, it’s a great hospital and I’ll always think fondly of my time at PAH.”
Thank you for your extraordinary contributions to both Urology and to PA Hospital, Pauline. We’re wishing you all the best in your next adventure!