John Hunt interviewed Karen Marsh, who was born in Heyfield in Gippsland, but moved to Warrnambool when she was 10years old.
Karen attended Jamieson Street School and Warrnambool High School. She left High School after Year 5 (now Year 11) and underwent nursing training. After a Fijian holiday, she worked in Perth for 6 years, but then went to Ballarat. She completed a three year course in aged nursing, and has worked in that field for 30 years, being a Unit Manger at Lyndoch. Karen said that the emphasis now is more on keeping people at home as long as possible.
After the first 18 years at Lyndoch Karen took a break from nursing for 6 years. During this time she was involved in running a restaurant in Timor Street until she decided she was a much better nurse than restaurant owner and sold the business. Karen then returned to nursing at Lyndoch.
Karen married (since divorced) and has two children, one of whom is at University. She is still employed at Lyndoch, working night-shift on four nights a week. She is interested in reading, and has experienced para-gliding, a helicopter ride(without doors!), and has climbed Ayers Rock.This is despite that fact that she is afraid of heights.
In answer to questions, Karen described how the attitude to Aged nursing has changed over the years, as has the amount of paper-work required. She said that there are a lesser number of skilled staff available these days.
President Judy thanked Karen for her interview and closed the meeting.
Pictured below: Karen Marsh with John Hunt following the interview.
