For 13 years, I’ve been a proud nurse at St Vincent’s Private Hospital, but my connection runs deeper—woven into my family’s story since the 1960s.
My great aunt immigrated from Greece in 1962 with little more than hope. St Vincent’s, run by the Sisters of Charity, became her sanctuary as a nun’s aide. She often spoke of the kindness she experienced and the community that made the hospital feel like home. It was her faith in the care provided that led my mother to deliver all four of her children there, including me.
The story of my birth is deeply personal—my mother nearly died after a traumatic labour. Thanks to the skill of her doctor and nurses, and my great aunt’s loving care, she survived. That story shaped my path. When it came time to pursue nursing, St Vincent’s was my clear choice.
As a circulating nurse, I work behind the scenes, advocating for patients, ensuring safety, and troubleshooting under pressure. Our role is vital, though often unseen. During the pandemic, we supported the public system’s overload, taking on additional cases. Yet, public nurses received bonuses and significant pay increases while private sector nurses like us were left behind.
Today, the gap is glaring. Public nurses enjoy higher pay, safer staff ratios, and better conditions. Private nurses work harder for less, with no enforceable ratios. This disparity threatens to drive nurses away, leaving private healthcare—and patients—at risk.
I’ve been part of EBA negotiations, witnessing how far we’ve strayed from the Sisters of Charity’s ethos. Hard work is no longer rewarded, and loyalty feels ignored. All we ask for is fairness—parity with our public colleagues.
I love my job and the care we provide, but without change, we risk losing what makes St Vincent’s special. It’s time to honour the hospital’s legacy by supporting its nurses and ensuring a sustainable future.
*Tina Zacharopoulos-Duparc is a registered nurse.
