'I’d do it all again': Kerry Lindeman reflects on 40 years of nursing

Kerry Lindeman has spent most of her career in the Murrumbidgee. Photos: Murrumbidgee Health District.

For the past four decades, Kerry Lindeman has dedicated her life to keeping the pulse of rural healthcare beating across the region.

The Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) Tumut cluster manager began her professional healthcare journey in 1978 when she started her registered nurse training at Cowra District Hospital.

“It doesn’t feel like 46 years since I put on that light blue uniform with buttons down the front and the red cape that didn’t keep you warm,” Kerry said.

“It’s been fun. I’d do it all again — absolutely — and I’m not finished yet!”

Earlier this year, Kerry celebrated her service to the MLHD with a morning tea alongside her colleagues at Tumbarumba MPS.

During the morning tea, Kerry shared stories about her time in healthcare and provided insight into the changes she had seen over the years.

After completing her nursing training, the registered nurse worked at the Royal Canberra Hospital before returning home to marry and taking a role at Boorowa Hospital in July 1982.

Kerry Lindeman in her early career.

Tumut facility manager Robyn Harvey, Tumbarumba facility manager Judith McGrath, Tumut cluster manager Kerry Lindeman and Batlow facility manager Sheena Luiz.

Batlow facility manager Sheena Luiz, Tumut facility manager Robyn Harvey, Tumbarumba facility manager Judith McGrath, Temora cluster manager Fiona Simons, Young cluster manager Karen Solah, Tumut cluster manager Kerry Lindeman and general manager rural operations Tegan Reid.

“I remember being in the back of an ambulance, just myself with the paramedic driving, lights and sirens, a police car at the front, one at the back, getting a critical patient to Canberra,” she said.

“A highlight for me is helicopters retrieving critically unwell patients from the site so I didn’t have to escort them in the back of an ambulance.

“There are so many stories.”

As a dedicated advocate for rural healthcare, Kerry said there were a range of opportunities to work in many different areas as a nurse.

MLHD general manager rural operations Tegan Reid said Ms Lindeman was a much-loved and hugely respected member of the team.

“Kerry, you are someone who is just steady and calm, and you are so respectful of your team and a really strong advocate,” Ms Reid said.

“I’ve learned a lot from you, especially in how you talk about and support your team. One of your greatest qualities, I think, is that you show up — consistently and wholeheartedly.”

“You walk the walk and talk the talk, offering a level of support that’s truly inspiring and something we can all aspire to, even though it’s not always easy.

“It is an absolute pleasure working with you, and you bring something very special to our team.”