From frontline to front of the class

Over the past 44 years, Janene Roberts’ nursing career has taken her right across the globe and exposed her to life-changing experiences few others can claim to have had.

Now as one of TAFE Queensland’s many dedicated nursing teachers, she shares those experiences and the incredible knowledge and lessons she learned along the way with students undertaking the Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) at the Sunshine Coast Health Institute.

“I’ve been privileged to work in countries around the world and to witness the resilience, courage, and compassion that defines the nursing profession and my fellow nurses,” Janene said.

“Every shift is different. There are new patients, new problems, and new things to learn,” she said.

Janene began her career straight out of high school at just 17 years of age. Initially keen to become a teacher, Janene was persuaded by her mother that she’s make a better nurse.

“It turns out we were both right,” Janene said.

“I can still remember the day I was dropped off at the nurses’ quarters at Royal Brisbane Hospital, which became my home for the next three years. Every day was a new adventure based around hard work, but we were all in it together and we all supported each other.”

After graduating in 1981, Janene landed her dream job at Prince Charles Hospital working in a post-op cardiac surgical ward. But it didn’t take long before she was looking for a new challenge.

 “I commenced my midwifery training at the Royal Women’s Hospital in 1984 and after I completed that I moved to Sydney and worked with the renowned cardiac surgeon Dr Victor Chang at St Vincents Private Hospital. I loved the work, but I was restless, young and looking for even more excitement,” she said.

“I got my interview gear on and walked into the Sydney RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) recruiting office to make an ‘initial’ inquiry. Two hours later I was signed up and scheduled for my medical and psych evaluation and was soon at the RAAF Officer Training School learning how to salute and march.”

Janene completed her medical evacuation training to become a Nursing Officer, predominantly doing aircrew medicals, rescues and aeromedical evacuations.

“Being the Nursing Officer on board a chinook helicopter and flying 200km off the coast to rescue three adults and a baby from their yacht that was sinking in big seas was probably the standout moment for me in that role. The first two life rafts we deployed from the helicopter were blown away by the high winds and we had one final attempt,” Janene said.

“Watching the mother jump off the yacht with her baby strapped to her chest into the rough seas was a heart stopping moment that I’ll never forget. She had to then swim to the rescue winchman through those raging seas with the chinook’s downdraft whipping around them, and he hooked them up so they could be winched to safety. Luckily all were safe and sound, and despite almost running out of fuel, the mission was successful.”

But despite being promoted to Flight Lieutenant and spending her days in an exciting environment, Janene missed the fulfilment of hands-on nursing. So, in 1990 Janene resigned her commission bound for Saudi Arabia, where she began nursing at Riyadh Military Hospital. Three months later, Iraq invaded Kuwait and American troops started arriving at the hospital ready to receive mass casualties.

After the conclusion of what was to become known as the Gulf War, Janene briefly returned to Australia and started nursing in intensive care. But within two years, the travel bug bit again, this time taking her to the United States.

From Los Angeles and San Diego to San Francisco, New York City, Charleston and Seattle, Janene spent more than a decade as a travel nurse and gaining fresh experiences. She treated Fromer Secretary of State and Nobel Peace Prize winner Henry Kissinger, as well as golfing great Jack Nicklaus, among many other well-known names; was named Charleston’s Nurse of the Year; and became the first nurse to work in an electronic intensive care unit.

While Janene says she loved the freedom and variety travel nursing brought, the unbeatable beaches of the Sunshine Coast were calling her home. So in 2006, she returned to Australia, managing a post-operation recovery unit until 2009 and completing three years of remote and rural nursing in Arnhem Land, before making the decision in 2013 to take on a new challenge.

“Teaching was always my childhood dream, and with a lifetime of local and international experience behind me, I knew I had something great to offer students that had the potential to ignite their passion and curiosity to pursue a health care career,” Janene said.

“Being in front of my students—telling stories and seeing their enthusiasm eagerness to learn—is like seeing a genuine reflection of myself at their age. It’s been hard not reverting to my gypsy lifestyle, but I get energy and fulfilment from new students every semester.

“Our students come to us with hopes, aspirations, and often a mix of excitement and trepidation. They trust us to guide them, to challenge them, and to prepare them for one of the most demanding yet rewarding careers imaginable, and that trust is both a privilege and a profound responsibility.”

Janene has delivered the Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) to TAFE Queensland students at the Sunshine Coast Health Institute (and prior to its opening, TAFE Queensland’s Mooloolaba campus) since 2013, working in the Intensive Care Unit at Buderim Private Hospital when she’s not teaching in order to maintain her skills. This offers her a unique insight into the past, present and future of the nursing industry – a future she believes is bright and full of opportunities.

“There are so many reasons to consider nursing as a career – terrific job security, a comfortable income, flexible working hours, continuous learning and variety in your day-to-day, just to name a few,” she said.

“However, the majority of people get into it because they want a challenge and fulfilment and to serve others. There are of course times you feel overwhelmed – the demands of healthcare are relentless, and the weight of responsibility can be heavy.  But you touch lives in ways few others can, whether in moments of joy, fear, or sorrow.”

As the largest employer on the Sunshine Coast with a fifth of the population working in jobs that fall within the industry, the healthcare and social assistance sector is vital not only to the wellbeing of the community, but its economy. And with employment opportunities for enrolled and mothercraft nurses projected to increase by 9.6 per cent over the next five years on the Sunshine Coast alone, and the Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) currently funded under the State Government’s Fee Free Nursing initiative, there has never been a better time for locals looking to embrace their nurturing side to pursue a nursing career.

General Manager for TAFE Queensland’s East Coast region, Mark Reilly said nurses play a critical role in the community, providing support and comfort without a second thought in times of need.

“Nurses are often the backbone of our health system, not only providing outstanding care, but offering strength, kindness and empathy to people and their families in a time when they are typically scared or worried,” Mark said.

“While the rest of us value nurses for the selfless and dedicated people they are, I know from speaking with the experienced nurses who teach our Diploma of Nursing that they view their roles as a calling.

“To the hundreds of students who train across our region each year to join their ranks, the contribution you will make over the course of your careers is immeasurable. While it won’t always be easy, know that your decision to answer the call is one we are all grateful for. 

“And to all our incredible nursing teachers like Janene who have committed their lives to helping others and are now taking the time to pass on that passion – thank you for your continued dedication to the industry. Your knowledge, experience, and patience is shaping the future of our community’s healthcare.”