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A different path leads Janet to shine in nursing

As we prepare to celebrate International Nurses Day, we look back on the nursing career of our Interim Chief Nursing Officer, Janet Jones and how an accidental career choice led her to a long and wonderful career in nursing.

10 May 2024

What led or inspired you to a career in nursing?

My career in nursing was by accident rather than a deliberate choice. I was 18, about to take my final exams (A levels in the UK) and decided I wanted to leave school. Nursing was the only job I could think of doing at the time. Back then it was hospital based training so I left home and joined the workforce straight out of school. I do believe that your life is mapped out and I have never looked back. I have now been in the nursing profession for 38 years and have nursed in the UK, the Middle East and of course for the past 19 years in Australia.

What do you find most rewarding about working in your field of nursing?

I am very passionate about nursing and extremely proud to be called a nurse. There are so many great things about nursing. Nursing gives you a sense of purpose and knowing that each day you can make a difference to a patient, their family or carer, that is very special. Nursing is constantly evolving and therefore you have the opportunity to keep learning, growing, and training. Once you have established yourself as a registered nurse or midwife you have the option to choose different career pathways throughout your career.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about what you do?

The Interim Chief Nursing Officer position has provided me with an amazing opportunity to work with the Directors of Nursing (DoNs) and Directors of Clinical Service (DCSs) and the nurses and midwives at our hospitals and services to shape the future vision of nursing & midwifery. Unlike the DoNs/DCSs, who are operationally focused, as the Chief Nursing Officer my role is strategic and is responsible for providing the vision and direction for nursing and midwifery. I also work in partnership with the Chief Medical Office, Dr Luis Prado, supporting patient safety and patient experience. I recognise the importance of truly understanding the day in the life of a nurse or midwife. This means that in my role I am responsible for ensuring nursing and midwifery has voice from floor to board.

What is your most memorable moment in nursing at St John of God Health Care?

Coming into the role from the DoN position at Midland I have many memorable moments, many of which are happy moments relating to patients; it is such an honour and privilege to connect and support patients wherever they are on their life journey