Kim Read

Kim Read’s nursing journey began almost by accident.

At 15, she was sent on work experience at Moooopna, part of Grutzner House, where her first task was cleaning false teeth.

“I remember saying, ‘I’m not being a nurse!’” she laughed.

But her mother’s reminder, that behind every task is a person and a family who values their care, gave her a new perspective.

Two years later, she entered nursing training.

In those days, it was more like an apprenticeship.

Students lived in the nurses’ home and were bussed to the hospital each morning.

Six weeks of preliminary training at the Elsie Jones Education Centre was followed by rotations across every ward, with one study day a week.

“It was sink or swim,” Kim recalled.

“We lived in fear of the matron and doctors, but we were a tight-knit group who supported each other through exams and long shifts.”

Community life was central to the hospital.

Staff from every ward ate together in one dining hall, and there were activities such as

Melbourne Cup races in the courtyard, ward competitions and even bedpan relays.which patients watched from the windows.

“Things you couldn’t do now, but they created strong bonds,” Kim said.

After graduating, Kim worked in Gippsland before returning to Shepparton.

She became an ANUM, then Nurse Unit Manager of the orthopaedic and gynaecology wards.

Later she moved into admissions and discharge coordination, overseeing elective admissions, bed management, the outpatient department, home oxygen and DVA liaison.

Senior leadership followed: Operations Director for Women’s, Children’s and Surgical Services, and now Divisional Operations Director for Medical and Critical Care, as well as Director of Nursing for Graham Street.

“I love it here,” Kim said.

“This is my community, my world.

“The care we provide is the care I’d want for my neighbours and family.”

Her biggest lessons have been to stop and listen, to patients and colleagues, and to value relationships.

“In a regional hospital we live, work and play in the same community,” she said.

“Building strong connections makes the service thrive.”

Looking back, Kim says she feels blessed.

“I put my heart and soul into GV Health, and in return it’s given me a wonderful life and career.”