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In September 1945, soon after World War 2, Betty Kennedy started working on the switchboard at Mater Public Hospital at the tender age of 16. Betty became inspired by the nurses she regularly interacted with and decided her future lay in nursing.
Betty had left school before completing grade seven and was concerned this would affect her chances of becoming a nurse, so she made an appointment to see the Matron, Sr Mary St. Pierre.
“I remember her words clearly, ‘you seem a bright little thing, we will set you an exam, if you pass it we will accept you’,” said Betty.
Betty passed her exam and in May 1946 was accepted into the Cadet Nurses. On 14 October 1946, Betty began four years of general nursing training. She graduated on 1 December 1949 and went on to complete her practical hours, finishing in October 1950.
Betty continued to work at Mater until her retirement in 1994. To this day Betty continues to play an active role in the life of the Mater Hospitals. For many years, Betty has been the President of Mater Past Nurses Association, a role which keeps her in touch with hundreds of nurses and midwives who trained at Mater. Betty has also been integral in the development of Mater Nursing and Midwifery Alumni and currently serves on the Alumni Council.
Betty shared her thoughts on being a Mater nurse with the Alumni:
What do you think made nursing at Mater such a special experience for yourself and others?
The ‘one big family’ atmosphere and the social interactions which came from living in the St Mary’s Nurses Quarters, along with the support we received from family, friends and the Sisters.
What does International Nurses Day and International Day of the Midwife mean for you? Why do you think it is important that we celebrate these days?
Nurses and midwives are precious to hospitals and to the community. International Nurses Day and International Day of the Midwife reinforces the recognition of a career well respected, and the appreciation of the wonderful job they do.
Why do you think it is important that nurses and midwives consider joining associations such as Mater Past Nurses and Mater Nursing and Midwifery Alumni?
It is an opportunity to keep in contact with the ‘family’ of nurses they worked with. We can talk of the old times, discuss how times have changed, renew old friendships, and learn of updates in the medical and nursing professions.
What three words would best describe your experience of nursing at Mater?
Camaraderie, bonding and pride.