This week I made and finalised a decision which marks the end of my working career. I decided not to renew my registration as a Registered Nurse. This allowed me to work within my scope of practice and it now expires at the end of next month.
I finished work almost 10 months ago but not renewing my registration rules an even more definite line between my working life and that of retirement.
Due to the nature of my work there are limited photos but here are a few that encapsulate the last 44 years.
Student nurse in starched uniform and cap.
A celebration in the tea-room with some of my operating theatre colleagues in the 1990s.
The workplace set up and ready to go.
Another tea-room celebration. This was my farewell afternoon tea when I was leaving Adelaide in 2000.
After more than 30 years of clinical nursing, I opted for a desk job for the final 10 years.
Even desk jobs have their fun and games.
Thanks for the memories.
organised castle 
It has been a great pleasure to work with you in various nursing roles over the years ! Heres to a happy healthy new start 😉
Thank you. And you too. 🙂
Thank you for your years of service to the community. Do you feel mixed emotions? Sadness that you never will work as a nurse again, and happiness/freedom that you, well, never work again as a nurse?
Yes, a little. However, it has been a gradual change from full-on clinical nursing over the past 16 years and close to 12 months since I actually was at work. So, I was convinced I was ready to take the final step, so to speak.
I think you have done so well to spend your working life as a career nurse. It is a hard slog sometimes. Thank you all you gave to so many.
It was hard at times but I can truly say I loved what I did and the difference I made.
Thank you for the care you gave to every patient.
Mary L
Thank you, Mary, for the recognition and thanks. I feel that what I did was worthwhile and made a difference.
Thank you for your dedication to nursing.
My youngest daughter is a dedicated nurse/ midwife of 20 years.
Thank you for your kind words and best wishes to your daughter. It can be hard work but is a rewarding career.