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As a teenager Jade Ellenger had no idea she would become a professional AFLW player or even a nurse, but now she finds herself juggling both, which is not an easy game to play.
But three months ago, the Brisbane Lions defender’s dream came true, when she was hired as a theatre nurse at Mater Private Hospital Springfield, just three kilometres from the AFLW Lions training base in Springfield.
“I’m thrilled to get a job nursing at Mater, everyone has been very supportive of my football career, and they’ve been very accommodating of my schedule, especially now that we’re in the finals,” Ms Ellenger said.
“It’s also great that Mater Private Hospital Springfield is close to the Brighton Homes Arena where we train, and I also live in the area with four teammates.”
Ms Ellenger, 25, has been playing for the Lions since 2018, and the team has just finished in the top four this season, with the finals elimination rounds now underway.
“We won the premiership in 2021 and 2023, and we are definitely in with a good chance to win the premiership this year,” she said.
Averaging 16 touches and four marks a game, Ms Ellenger has become a defence weapon in the Lions back five.
She’s also just been named in the AFLW all-Australian squad.
And at the end of 2024 she graduated with a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Queensland.
“I always knew that I would end up in healthcare, I really like helping people when they’re at their most vulnerable and in their time of need,” she said.
“As a theatre nurse, I enjoy being in the recovery unit and getting to know patients and providing one on one care.”
Mater Nurse Unit Manager Colleen Kelly said Ms Ellenger was a welcome addition to the hospital.
“It’s great to have her on our team and everyone here at Mater Springfield is really supportive of our local AFLW Lions team,” Ms Kelly said.
“It’s fantastic to see Jade’s passion and commitment on the field translate into the best care and outcomes for patients in the hospital.”
Mater Private Hospital Springfield Assistant Director of Clinical Services: Perioperative, Outpatients and Cancer Care Tilana Van Deventer said the hospital currently has more than 200 nursing staff and 500 more are needed to work at the new Mater Hospital Springfield, which is set to open in stages from April next year.
“The $400 million construction of Mater Hospital Springfield, our city’s first public hospital, is expected to treat more than 200,000 patients from the Ipswich, Logan and Greater Brisbane regions each year,” Ms Van Deventer said.
“Greater Springfield is a hub of health, education and innovation and Mater together with the Brisbane Lions are proud to be key pillars delivering these services for our community.”
The new nine-storey hospital will adjoin the existing Mater Private Hospital Springfield.
To learn more about recruitment for Mater Hospital Springfield, go to mater.org.au/group/careers
