We recently bid a fond farewell to one of our midwives, Marilyn Slark, after an extraordinary 48-year nursing career, the last 13 of which have been here at Buderim Private Hospital.
Marilyn started her training in 1973 at The Prince Henry and Prince of Wales Hospitals, which were the teaching Hospitals for the University of New South Wales, after moving to the city from her home in Coonabarabran.
Graduating in 1976, Marilyn nursed in hospitals in Gosford and Coonabarabran before moving to the United Kingdom (UK) and nursing in Hereford and Plymouth. It was in the UK where Marilyn decided to pursue her love and passion for midwifery and undertook additional studies to achieve a formal qualification in midwifery to complement her general nursing. On returning to Australia, Marilyn resided in Brisbane and worked as a midwife at Sunnybank Private Hospital for 20 years.
“I always knew I would become a nurse so it really wasn’t a difficult choice for me and I have never regretted my decision,” Marilyn said.
“My Mum was also a nurse and recognised and supported the qualities in me like compassion, empathy and a good work ethic,” she said.
While Marilyn has enjoyed all aspects of nursing over the years, supporting and encouraging new parents to enjoy their babies has been a particular highlight.
“I have truly loved the role of supporting a mother and their family during and after the birth and consider it an absolute pleasure and privilege to focus on them and their needs. It’s a very humbling experience to be there during a very special and private time in their life,” Marilyn said.
The next chapter for Marilyn will involve travel, enjoying time with friends, gardening, cooking, sewing and spending time with her precious grandchildren.
“I will definitely miss working with a lovely group of midwives and being part of a team environment, and of course all the mums and babies,” she said.
“Part of me will always remain unchanged despite my retirement. I have a passion for looking after people and believe children and babies are extremely special so I will continue to nurture in whatever role I play in the future,” she said.
Congratulations on your long and wonderful career, Marilyn! We wish you all the very best in retirement.