When Maree Jarrett wrote to the Matron of PA Hospital in 1975 to express her interest in becoming a nurse, she could never have imagined she would still be caring for patients there almost half a century later.
Now a Clinical Nurse Consultant with the Queensland Liver Transplant Service (QLTS), Maree has been recognised with a PA Hospital International Nurses Day Lifetime Achievement Award for her extraordinary contribution to nursing, leadership and patient care.
Maree commenced her nursing training at PA Hospital on 3 January 1977 following completion of her Year 12 education.
“The old hospital and nurses’ quarters are long gone but memories of camaraderie remain,” she said.
After completing her training in 1980, Maree spent the next 13 years working in the haemodialysis unit, including five years on permanent night duty in the home training unit.
Her experience in nephrology and renal transplant nursing would later become the foundation for a career supporting some of Queensland’s most complex and vulnerable patients through liver transplantation.
“I have had the opportunity to work alongside incredibly skilled multidisciplinary teams while supporting patients and families through some of the most challenging and life changing moments,” Maree said.
As part of the statewide Queensland Liver Transplant Service (QLTS), Maree helps assess patients for liver transplant suitability and supports them throughout every stage of their journey, from referral and assessment through to transplantation and lifelong follow-up care.
“A liver transplant (LT) coordinator is the go-to person for these patients and the linchpin for the multidisciplinary team,” she said.
“Each day brings its own diversity. You travel the journey with patients and families local and remote.”
For Maree, the role goes far beyond clinical coordination.
“Long term connections and relationships develop as in other areas where chronic disease is involved,” she said.
“While sad, it has been a privilege to be invited to spend time with families and be included in end-of-life scenarios.”
Throughout her career, Maree has helped shape practice and innovation within transplantation nursing. She has represented PA Hospital and QLTS nationally and internationally as an educator, presenter, and published author, all while contributing to clinical practice guideline development and quality improvement initiatives.
Among her proudest achievements is initiating and developing the QLTS Liver Transplant ‘Patient Shared Care Record’ in 1999, which is now in its fourth iteration.
Maree said collaboration and trust are key to achieving positive patient outcomes.
“It’s great to work within such a diverse environment with colleagues from around the country,” she said.
“The liver transplant community in Australia is fairly small, making it easy to collaborate on projects and share information.”
Reflecting on the evolution of healthcare during her career, Maree believes culture and leadership play a critical role in supporting staff and delivering exceptional patient care.
“The culture in health services has changed over the last 50 years, to one of inclusivity and respect,” she said.
“I think one of the most important leadership qualities is listening. Taking time to understand your team, being visible, and recognising peoples’ contributions.
“Offering kindness while maintaining clear expectations and accountability goes a long way to creating a collegiate environment.”
For younger nurses and emerging leaders, Maree’s advice is simple: support one another, communicate openly and remain adaptable.
“Supporting staff development, encouraging open communication and staying adaptable are all important in healthcare because things are constantly evolving,” she said.
From student nurse to respected Clinical Nurse Consultant, Maree’s contribution to PA Hospital has helped shape patient care, transplantation nursing and the experiences of countless patients, families and colleagues.
From everyone here at PAH, thank you and congratulations Maree!