OneCare marked International Nurses Day this week, holding celebrations at our facilities statewide to show our gratitude to all the incredible OneCare nurses. We thank all our nurses and staff for taking care of our residents with such compassion and professionalism.
A special highlight this year was celebrating Carol Brown, an EN at Barossa Park Lodge in Glenorchy. Carol has just reached an incredible milestone in her nursing career, spending 50 years caring for others. Most of her career has been in aged care, dedicated to improving the lives of older Tasmanians.
When she was in year 10 in 1974, Carol decided she wanted to enter the workforce.
“I thought nursing would be a good career, because I loved helping people,” she said.
“I took every opportunity I could to go to Ulverstone district hospital and pester the matron for a job as a nurse. In February 1975 at the age of 16 I was accepted into nursing, but was too young to start auxiliary training.
“I worked as a nurse’s aid to gain experience and knowledge, and the first 12 months really opened my eyes. I had to grow up fast and mature very quickly.”
Carol’s career took her across the state. She started in hospital services at Ulverstone district hospital, with half of her training completed at Mersey Hospital. She finished auxiliary training in the late 1970s, taking up a position in the babies and children’s ward at the Launceston General Hospital.
A career break followed when she had her first baby in 1984, returning to work 18 months later in aged care. She has remained in the industry ever since.
“A new nursing home opened in Norwood, where I worked for 11 years in a special aggressive dementia care unit.
“When I moved south in 1998, I started at Bishop Davies Court in Kingston – also now part of OneCare – and stayed for 16 years. About 10 years ago I moved to Barossa Park Lodge.”
Carol said while a nursing career can be challenging, she’s never wanted to do anything else.
“I’ve stayed in nursing so long because I’m so passionate about it. It’s the only job I’ve ever had and I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s a wonderful career and I have no regrets!
“I love helping people in general, and older people even more so. They are fascinating with so many interesting stories to tell and life experience to share.
Carol would encourage others into nursing, because it provides so many different opportunities.
“There’s always a new door to go through,” she said. “It’s an interesting career that’s great for extending your skills and broadening your life experiences. You’ll always have a job.
“Aged care requires a big heart and a passion for older people – not everyone can do it, but if you have those things, you will find it really rewarding!”
Celebrating International Nurses Day 2025 at Barossa Park Lodge, with Carol Brown in the centre front row.
