After an impressive 44-year nursing career, including 15 years at Peninsula Health, Breast Care Coordinator Rhonda is set to celebrate her final day tomorrow as she embarks on her well-deserved retirement journey.
Rhonda joined Frankston Hospital in 2009 after relocating from the United Kingdom, where she began her nursing career at the age of 18, building a diverse background in general surgical nursing and breast care research.
“In 2007, I immigrated to Australia and spent the first 18 months working at a private hospital. When I saw the position advertised at Frankston Hospital, I jumped at the chance—and I’ve been here ever since,” Rhonda recalls.
“Being a breast care nurse is the best job in the world. Every day is a privilege; being able to care for people and truly make a difference in their lives has been so rewarding.”
During her time at Frankston Hospital, one of Rhonda’s proudest moments has been watching the Breast Surgery Clinic develop and flourish.
“In 2009, we averaged about 80 breast surgeries a year, but as of this week in 2024, we’ve performed 154, not including reconstructions,” Rhonda explains. “When I first joined, the reconstruction service was virtually non-existent. I took the initiative to establish it with the support of our consultants, and this year alone, we’ve completed 14 reconstructions, which is incredible.”
Rhonda is excited to embrace all that retirement has to offer, with plans to visit family, friends, and explore various holiday destinations. However, she will deeply miss the camaraderie of her amazing colleagues.
“I’m really lucky because the people I work with are brilliant, passionate, and skilled at what they do. I will miss my team dearly. However, one thing I won’t miss is getting up early,” Rhonda jests.
We wish Rhonda all the best in her retirement!