The Beatles were at the top of the charts when Marcia Hunt was starting her nursing career on Wickham Terrace in Brisbane.
Now 59 years later she is turning in her scrubs to retire.
Marcia has spent the last 26 years working as a Women’s Health nurse in the South Burnett.
“When I first started in the role my area covered the whole of the South Burnett and the North Burnett towns of Monto, Eidsvold , Mundubbera, Gayndah and Biggenden as well as Miriam Vale, Agnus Water, Gin Gin, Mt Perry , Childers ,Bundaberg, Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Buxton, Woodgate and Gympie,” she said.
“I have just loved coming to all the towns.”
She said a big change to her work had been the addition of using mobile phones while travelling around the region.
A career highlight was spending three years working on Thursday Island in the early ‘80s.
“During this time, I helped to start a school of nursing for Enrolled Nurses and then ran it for almost three years,” Marcia said.
“The students were Torres Strait Islanders and included males and females.
“They sat the state exams and there was a high pass rate.
“My husband was the Postmaster and my three children were in lower primary school.
“As well as being a Nurse Educator I worked on the wards in General and Midwifery and did many medivacs with GP’s or solo.”
She said it was here she also developed her passion for women’s health.
“It was during my time there that Dr Peter Holt, Medical Supervisor, taught me to do pap smears and I have been doing them ever since,” she said.
“Sexual health was also a big part of my work.
“My motivation for continuing to work is my love for women’s health.”
Marcia said it has been amazing to see the medical advancements made during her almost six decades as a nurse.
“When I started nursing, cervical cancer was a leading cause of death and the treatment was really debilitating,” she said.
“The massive advances are amazing and ongoing, and I have really enjoyed being a part of helping women embrace cervical screening and understand how important it is for them to attend to their own health so they can be strong for their families.
“Every woman has her own story and experience and every woman I have spoken with has helped shape me as a Woman’s Health Nurse.”
Even now Marcia said her job caring for the community isn’t done.
“I have been doing many presentations and look forward to continuing public speaking and join my little groups where we share a meal and discuss a topic which helps women understand their health and health issues a bit better,” she said.