Army - The Soldiers' Newspaper

Lt-Col Wendy Taylor assists a nurse attending to a patient at the Canberra Area Medical Unit. Photo by Cpl Alisha Welch, Army newspaper

Matron of honour

By Cpl Alisha Welch
IN A move that will serve as a catalyst for nursing within the Army, Lt-Col Wendy Taylor has been appointed the first nursing CO of an Australian medical unit.

Taking up her command at the Canberra Area Medical Unit at the beginning of last year, Lt-Col Taylor said she had more than 20 years experience in military nursing.

“I joined the Army Reserve in 1980, received my commission in August the following year and transferred to the ARA in December 1989,” she said.

“I have served at a number of units including 1HSB at Holsworthy and 2HSB in Brisbane, and I have also seen operational duty in East Timor as the Senior Nurse in 2000 and on Operation Desert Storm in 1991 as an operating room nurse.

“I was also lucky enough to go on long-term schooling in the US in 1996 – there are many opportunities for military nurses.”
Lt-Col Taylor said Army nursing had changed dramatically over the years.

“When I first joined I was a clinical nurse and as nurses progress through the ranks, their role generally moves from clinical practice to administrative duties – this is in the process of changing.

“Nurses will soon have the choice of which career path they would like to take. Work is being formalised to provide a realistic career path for ADF nurses, which will allow them to remain clinical or pursue a command and staff career.”

She said her appointment, as the first nursing CO of a medical unit was a terrific challenge.

“It’s great that nurses are being recognised for their ability and not being precluded from positions they are confident, and competent, at performing.

“One of the disappointing aspects of my job is that I have very few military members to nurture and lead, but I do have some fantastic contracting staff who provide an excellent service to the Defence members in Canberra.”

Lt-Col Taylor said serving on Operation Desert Storm was one of the highlights of her career.

“I was a little apprehensive to begin with but I was honoured to have been asked to serve as there were many other Army nurses who could have been chosen.

“We arrived in Bahrain and got onboard the USNS Comfort, a very large hospital ship – over 800ft long.

“My first impression of the ship was that it was a great big target – white with huge red crosses. The ship contained 1000 hospital beds, 80 intensive care beds, 50 emergency beds and 12 operating rooms. It was a converted oil tanker and extremely impressive.”

Lt-Col Taylor said she encouraged civilian nurses to join the ADF as it provided many opportunities not offered elsewhere.

“Don’t ever think you’re too old – I transferred to the ARA as a 39-year-old grandmother and haven’t looked back.”