Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton’s newest Nurse Unit Manager is stepping into the role with 25 years of experience – and on International Nurses Day (Friday 12 May 2023), she says she wouldn’t change what she does for the world.

Princy Thomas began her nursing career at Holy Cross Hospital in India in 1999, before moving to Ireland’s St John’s Limerick Hospital in 2004 and made the move to Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton in January this year.

“When I began looking, I was offered a lot of jobs across Australia and was confused with which to choose ­ but the final role I was offered was here at Mater and I was amazed by their community involvement and their mission,” Ms Thomas said.

“I am so proud to be a nurse, especially here at Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton with its Catholic background. What I find most rewarding about nursing is that I have the opportunity to help people in heir most vulnerable and unexpected moments.

“International Nurses Day is a great chance to raise awareness of the important role nurses play in society and share their contributions and commitments to providing the best healthcare possible.”

Princy said the support she has received since moving to Australia has been incredible.

“I have to say the support, encouragement motivation and warm welcome I have experienced since arriving at Mater has been amazing and I am so happy I made the choice to move here. I chose nursing as my career path because I have always enjoyed helping and caring for people, and am so happy to be surrounded by so many amazing healthcare workers who are all just as passionate.

“My family have also been welcomed warmly – my husband is a physiotherapist at Mater also and our three children have all settled into school life here.”

Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton Acting Executive Officer Alison Boyle said International Nurses Day provided a timely opportunity to celebrate the dedication of past, present and future healthcare workers.

“The theme of International Nurses Day 2023 is a voice to lead: our nurses, our future. This is a theme that embodies the compassion of our hard-working Mater healthcare workforce,” Ms Boyle said.

“Nurses around the world have worked incredibly hard, especially over the past three years in the face of the pandemic, and in Rockhampton we are proud to be recognising their commitment to keeping our community safe today and into the future.”

“Happy International Nurses Day from Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton.”