The Realities of Nursing: Barry's Story

Barry is a Bureau Nurse who started his healthcare journey as a caregiver before deciding to retrain. He completed his nursing qualification just over 20 years ago. What drew him to it? A fascination with medicine — and something simpler.

“Just helping people and being there in times of need.”

Barry is honest about the harder parts of the job. Interpersonal friction — with colleagues and occasionally patients — is something he's had to learn to navigate.

“There are very, very big personalities. I've had staff swear and argue with me. A patient might demand medications and I've already given her the maximum I can.”

But Barry doesn't let that shake him.

“At the end of the day, I do the best I can. I've always got the patient in mind. I reflect on my practice a lot. I make mistakes, because we're only human, but at the time I always do my best. And that's all I can do.”

As a male nurse in aged care, Barry has encountered bias. He takes it in his stride.

“You just keep on. If they won't let you do something and it's not life threatening — OK. You move on.”

What keeps him coming back after two decades?

“The moments when you can actually help someone. Sometimes it's an acute situation. Sometimes it's just providing comfort cares to someone who's dying. It's stressful. Rewarding. It keeps you learning. It can be all of it.”