From a very young age, Charlie Edwards knew she wanted to look after people – she was helping in the kitchen at a bush nursing hospital from the age of 12.
In 1966 – when she was just 16 ‐ she started on a nursing bursary at the Royal Children’s Hospital, before joining Dandenong Hospital in the Rotary Ward in 1970.
Charlie spent time working with child and surgical patients before moving into the Emergency Department and – 35 years later ‐ she is still there as nurse in charge three nights a week.
Along the journey, Charlie had four children, has also managed a nursing home, and survived a serious car accident.
Charlie says Dandenong Casualty in the 1970s and 1980s was very different to the Emergency Department today. There were no mobile intensive care ambulances (MICA) and the hospital was run by GPs.
“We didn’t have a lot of employees, though we did have a day theatre and the nurses would look after the surgical patients during their recovery in the afternoon,” she says.
“Emergency would be running at the same time of course, and it was very busy. We were the biggest centre in the state that covered parts of Gippsland and down to the Mornington Peninsula.
“We would see very, very sick patients, and lots of trauma including road and industrial accidents.”
“We didn’t have things like CTs or nebulisers, so it’s been fascinating to see the changes over the years.”
As well as building deep friendships and professional relationships over the years, Charlie continues to great satisfaction from mentoring and training nurses and being an advocate for her patients, especially the elderly.
“Nurses need to make people feel they are cared for. To me, that’s what people need as well as the expertise. I’ve always loved my work, and I rarely take leave. It’s such a passion for me,” she says.
Now, Charlie prides herself on running a calm and supportive Emergency Department at Dandenong Hospital.
“I think employees are comfortable working with me, and I never ask anybody to do something I wouldn’t do myself,” she says.
As well as building deep friendships and professional relationships over the years, Charlie continues to great satisfaction from mentoring and training nurses and being an advocate for her patients, especially the elderly.
“Nurses need to make people feel they are cared for. To me, that’s what people need as well as the expertise. I’ve always loved my work, and I rarely take leave. It’s such a passion for me,” she says.
Congratulations Charlie on 50 invaluable years of service – we look forward to celebrating many more with you.
Approved by David Bloxham.