Year of the Nurse and Midwife spotlight with Bernadette Mitchell

2 Apr 2020

Nurses and midwives are the heart of St John of God Subiaco Hospital and play a significant role in the excellent care and services we offer our patients.

For our first spotlight, we interviewed Learning and Development Clinical Educator Bernadette Mitchell.

What year did you enter the nursing or midwifery profession?
I entered the nursing profession in 1981 and the midwifery profession in 1986.

Name three reasons why this profession is so meaningful to you?
I find nursing to be fulfilling and meaningful as we are physically and emotionally with patients during their hospital journey. We make a big difference to the lives of our patients and their families by offering empathetic and compassionate care in-line with evidence-based practices.

I find midwifery meaningful because of the positive contribution we make to women and their families. I enjoy collaborating with various health care professionals to provide advice to women as they learn to care for their newborns.

What has been your proudest moment at St John of God Subiaco Hospital?
I’ve had many proud and precious moments at S John of God Subiaco Hospital, so it is hard to choose just one.

In 2008, I worked with the hospital’s midwives and the Director of Mission to complete an outreach project for a remote Birth Centre in Malawi. It was an overwhelming and enjoyable experience to be able to help a community in need.

I am currently working in Learning and Development where I am proud to be part of a team that strives for excellence while educating Caregivers. I have many precious moments working with midwifery students to develop their knowledge and skills so they can become future midwives. 

Last but not least, having my own babies at St John of God Subiaco Hospital was one of the reasons I wanted to work here. The care I was provided was exceptional!