* Monday 12 May 2025 *

A message from our CEO, Janna Voloshin, to our nurses on this special day

Today is International Nurses Day and I’d like to single out our nurses today with a special message of thanks.

When I think of nurses, what comes to mind is dedication, care and professionalism – characteristics we see in our nursing staff here at Vasey RSL Care – and which go far beyond the clinical aspects…

It’s your compassion and the way you support our residents and their families,

It’s how you care for each other, helping and mentoring colleagues,

And it’s how you never ever ‘switch off’ from being a nurse.

These are things that truly set you apart.

We receive messages of thanks from residents and families, highlighting the impact you have on their lives – both the lives of the residents, and the lives of their loved ones.

Whatever your role, from the newest graduate to the longest-serving senior nurse, you are deeply appreciated.

Barbara Dossey, a Florence Nightingale Scholar and co-director of the International Nurse Coach Association sums it up in a few words: ‘Nurses are the heartbeat of healthcare.’

Your combination of care and professionalism makes you not just caregivers, but leaders in our community. You have the unique ability to comfort, heal, and guide, making a difference in ways that go beyond words.

And let’s not forget that among our aged care residents are many nurses who, during wartime, served alongside our Defence Forces, putting their lives at risk to protect and save others. Their experiences are woven into the fabric of our history and serve as a reminder of the strength and resilience we honour on this special day.

This anonymous short poem, I believe, perfectly captures the essence of what our nurses bring to the world:

The hands that heal, the hearts that care,

The ones who listen, always there.

Through every challenge, big or small,

You give your best, you stand so tall.

A nurse’s touch, a steady hand,

A guiding light, a life well planned.

Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence in care.

You are all integral to the wellbeing of our community, and we are so proud to have you as part of the Vasey RSL Care family.

Janna Voloshin

Chief Executive Officer