With a nursing career spanning more than 50 years, local woman Jill Dexter, 69, has seen and heard more than most.

Her inspiring story begins with her mother, Sigrid Quibell, who was a World War II nurse at around the age of 19.

Mrs Dexter describes her English immigrant mother as having an infectious energy, who told great stories, and the reason she chose her lifelong career.

Hearing stories of the War when she was young – caring for the injured, how they survived, and her passion for caring for people – Mrs Dexter knew very early on that she wanted to follow in her mum’s memorable footsteps.

“She was a very caring woman, and it filtered right through our family. I just loved the sense of satisfaction she got from caring for others, particularly those in need, and I wanted to do the same,” Mrs Dexter smiled.

So at the age of 18, in 1971, she started her hospital-based nurses training, which, she said, is “very different” to the university-based training of today.

“When we started, we were in a starched uniform dress, apron, and hat, and you would do six weeks of training to enter first year, then after completing your second year and third year, you’d become a registered nurse,” Mrs Dexter said.

“Today the training is much more in-depth, and the Registered Nurses, once they finish their undergraduate programs, are very well equipped but there’s always ongoing learning in nursing.”

Mother of four sons and grandmother to nine grandchildren, Mrs Dexter says she’s been “so lucky” in her life to have been able to balance a career and a family.

“With nursing, there’s flexibility and work-life balance because it’s predominately a female profession. Especially with being a manager, most of my career I’ve worked Monday to Friday, and my husband supported me and my career,” she said.

“Together we raised the four boys and were both able to maintain our careers.”

Mrs Dexter moved across to managing the BapistCare Carey Gardens aged care home in Red Hill almost 13 years ago, saying she wishes she had made the switch a decade earlier.

“Aged care is very, very rewarding. There’s so much satisfaction you get out of looking after and managing in aged care and most people who come into the sector just love it. I came in at the end of my career, but I should have come in earlier,” grinned Mrs Dexter, with utmost sincerity in her voice.

“It’s probably the best specialty I’ve worked in in my career. I get so much self-satisfaction from providing a high level of care to vulnerable people and supporting them through the last years of their life.

“I’ve found it so rewarding and that’s why I’m still here… and I love the residents.”

Now nearing her well-deserved retirement, Mrs Dexter reflects on the past couple of years working in healthcare, commenting on how the pandemic has “encroached everywhere”.

“There’s just so much extra work having to be done to keep the residents safe, protect the staff and their families, and keep the morale going. Navigating the ever-changing guidelines from the government had a big impact on workload in all health areas, including aged care,” she said.

In honour of International Nurses Day today, Thursday 12 May, Mrs Dexter wants to add her voice to the pleas within the nursing sector, calling on the Federal Government for more funding and better pay.

“We’ve had more than 20 independent reports and a Royal Commission but have seen no resolution into resourcing of aged care workers or an increase in wages,” she said.

“It’s really frustrating for every nurse, especially after the Royal Commission identified we needed more carers and to address the wages, otherwise the community are going to lose out. We’ve been waiting for so long and no government has stepped up.

“I’m not sure why they’ve had the Royal Commission and reports and we’re still waiting – I’m amazed. People are leaving the sector because they’ve held on long enough and are at their breaking point. It’s really sad.”

When asked why aged care workers deserve to have a pay increase, Mrs Dexter responded without hesitation.

“Because older Australians deserve a high level of care, and if we don’t’ have the staff and the resources to do that, or the financials, we will lose everyone,” she said.

“Our Baptist Care CEO has written to the Prime Minister about it. We really are very passionate and can’t emphasise enough how important it is to the future of aged care.

“Let’s just hope something is done about it soon.”

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