Older workers lead way
BUNDABERG Hospital is leading the way when it comes to employing mature workers, embracing the wealth of experience they bring to the workplace.
With more than 30% of the hospital's staff aged over 45, Bundaberg Hospital operations executive Luke Worth said mature workers played a vital role at the hospital.
"They bring a wealth of experience because of their time in the system," he said.
"They have experienced the ever-changing face of health care.
"Often our mature workers are long-serving employees and they bring stability to the organisation."
Mr Worth said it wasn't just their job knowledge that was really appreciated.
"They are important members of the community and a fantastic source of information," he said.
"They offer employees new to the area all sorts of advice."
Shining examples of mature workers doing great things are after-hours nurse manager Jan McClure and nurse unit manager Dilys Carter.
A 30-year veteran, Ms McClure said she was thriving in her job.
"No two shifts are ever the same," she said.
"Working keeps the mind active.
"I always feel that I am doing something worthwhile and contributing to the community."
Ms McClure said the hospital valued its mature-age employees and provided them with work and life flexibility, and workers in turn provided a wealth of experience and knowledge to the younger nurses.
"Bundaberg Hospital is strong on having older staff mentor younger staff," she said.
"It's pointless taking all of those skills learnt over a lifetime with you when you retire."
Ms McClure said the flexibility of the job was a real bonus.
"I work part-time, doing four night duty shifts and two day duty shifts per fortnight," she said.
"This enables me to have some quality time off duty to pursue my other interests."
As nurse unit manager of the medical ward, Ms Carter is responsible for patient care, managing the nursing and clerical staff and running the ward.
"I have worked at this hospital for 26 years and have been in this position for almost 10 years," she said.
"Bundaberg Hospital values all its staff and mature-age staff are certainly prized for their skills and commitment."
HOSPITAL FACTS
1200 staff employed
30% aged over 45
120 doctors
563 nurses
72 health practitioners, professionals and technical staff
