“Lead with kindness”: Jenny’s nursing journey
International Nurses Day was the perfect opportunity to shout out the amazing work done by the nurses at RDHM, including Jenny Johnston.
This week we recognised International Nurses Day, held annually on 12 May. We celebrate the incredible nurses who show up every day with heart, skill, and compassion—like Jenny Johnston, one of our much-loved nurses in the day surgery unit at RDHM.
Jenny has been a registered nurse since 1978 – that’s 47 years of caring, learning, and showing up for patients.
After more than two decades working on the wards at Eastern Health, Jenny made the leap to RDHM in 2017, encouraged by a close friend who saw something special in her. She hasn’t looked back since.
“I’m here for the patients. I’m here to get them from walking through the door to hopefully happily walking out at the other end.”
These days, Jenny works in Stage Two Recovery and helps with patient consults. She always brings a calm, steady presence to every shift. She’s the one gently reassuring nervous patients before a procedure and the friendly face they remember on their way out.
Jenny also wanted to acknowledge the support she’s received since joining RDHM—particularly from Unit Nurse Manager Vipin Prem.
“I also want to mention how grateful I am to Vipin. He’s always been very supportive. I feel like he really sees my strengths, experience and reliability, and that means a lot.”
Her advice for future nurses is full of honesty and heart:
“Nursing isn’t always glamorous. It’s physically and emotionally tough.
“But if you lead with kindness, stay curious, and keep learning, it can be the most rewarding job. You don’t need to have it all worked out at the start. Just focus on the little things—a smile, a quiet moment, listening to someone when they’re scared. Those things really matter. Never underestimate the power of your presence.”
Jenny reminds us that strong mentorship and support are key to building a meaningful nursing career—and she’s a living example of both.
Thank you, Jenny and thank you to every nurse who brings heart to healthcare.
