Respected QEII Clinical Nursing Consultant Suzie Hey has finally hung up her scrubs, closing the curtain on more than four decades of dedicated nursing service in January.
Commencing her training at Princess Alexandra Hospital in 1985, Suzie went on to devote 32 years of her career to Metro South Health hospitals, including 12 at QEII Jubilee Hospital, where she specialised as a Stomal Therapy Nurse (STN) as a Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC).
“It may sound cliché, but I have always been genuinely motivated to help those in ill health,” Suzie said. “Supporting people when they are at their most vulnerable and knowing you can make a real difference in their lives more than makes up for the challenges nursing can sometimes bring.”
Going on to secure roles in some of Queensland’s busiest hospitals, including at PA Hospital, St Andrew’s Private Hospital, Springfield Super Clinic, and Greenslopes Private Hospital, Suzie joined QEII Jubilee Hospital as a Clinical Nurse and STN in 2013 before being appointed to the role full-time in 2019.
She said working within the specialised STN team at QEII had given her the opportunity to form strong professional bonds with like-minded colleagues.
“‘Patient-centric care’ is often heard used as a catchphrase, but at QEII it truly guides decision-making and practice,” she said. “Empathy, compassion and communication are key to ensuring the best outcomes and experiences for patients and their families.”
Reflecting on her retirement, Suzie said she is looking forward to the next chapter of her life now she has fulfilled the childhood promise she made to her late mother.
“I lost my mum when I was 10, and I’d always told her I would become a nurse,” she said. “Now I have three beautiful children of my own, a daughter and twin boys, it is time to focus on my own health, spend time with my family, and see my children develop in their own lives and careers.”
On behalf of the team at QEII, we thank Suzie for her extraordinary service and commitment to delivering compassionate care for our patients and wish her all the best for the future.