Robyn and Sue are on the same wavelength in a way that only twins can be.
Robyn says, “We always think the same. We still send each other the same gifts at Christmas and for birthdays. One year, Sue instinctively sent me a pair of shoes – the same style that I had lost.”
So, it only makes sense that they both ended up in the field of nursing from the time they were teenagers.
Sue always knew she wanted to become a nurse, inspired by the photo in their family home of her grandmother in her nursing cap. However, Robyn came around to the idea when an opportunity to enrol in Enrolled Nurse (EN) training came up, and with a lack of employment opportunities around at the time, she thought, “Why not?”
Both sisters remember how different nursing was when they first started out.
“RNs were referred to as ‘Sisters’ and all wore long white veils,” Robyn recalls.
“The Sisters were very intimidating and almost nothing was disposable … we sterilised our glass syringes and manually re-sharpened stainlesssteel needles.”
Sue adds, “It was a hands-on approach to nursing. There wasn’t much available in the way of fancy equipment to transfer patients from point A to B. We lifted, we showered and made every bed each day. We brushed teeth (that were mostly false ones, mind you).”
“Testing urine was a tedious process which consisted of boiling urine over a Bunsen burner … I was very impressed with Multistix when they first appeared,” Robyn laughs.
Since those days, Robyn has worked as a midwife, ED nurse practitioner and remote area nurse (RAN), now undergoing PhD studies at QUT on anticipatory anxiety and discomfort in ED patients. Sue has worked in many ED roles after completing her postgraduate certificate in emergency nursing, and worked as a RAN throughout most states, from Kalgoorlie to the Torres Strait.
The twins were excited to work together for several years in the emergency department at Mackay Hospital, both emphasising that it was like working with a best friend.
Sue says, “My sister taught me so much in our field of emergency.”
Robyn also appreciated having her twin around at work.
“Sue always looked after me. I would go back to the desk to write a patient note, and there’s a hot coffee there! She always had my back, looked after me, kept me in the loop and could always anticipate my next move. I would go to see a patient, and she would always know exactly how I would manage the patient and have all the gear there ready to go.
“A couple of times though, medical teams (who didn’t know I had a twin) would tell Sue their patient management plan instead of me, which caused some confusion.”
Aside from their identical appearance, one noticeable similarity in these sisters is the admiration they have for each other.
Robyn says, “I think Sue is a great nurse, much better than I am. Sue has saved multiple people’s lives, particularly in remote area cardiac arrests, and received commendations for her actions in difficult circumstances. Sue’s also been involved in multiple baby’s deliveries despite not being a midwife. She’s very glad for having attended the CRANAplus Maternity Emergency Care course.
“There is not much that fazes Sue, she just gets on with it. I also admire Sue’s unique ability to communicate openly and frankly with people. We have a good laugh about this sometimes.”
While Sue completely mirrors her sister’s sentiments.
“She is my guru. I can’t compete with Robyn’s knowledge base. Robyn is exceptional after all these years working as an ED nurse practitioner. Wow, I am very proud of her.”
The pair have come to share a mutual love for remote area nursing over the years, too.
Robyn says, “I have travelled all over Australia and met a lot of lovely people. I think if any nurse feels that they need a change and a challenge, then consider RAN work. I haven’t looked back!”
“Change is great for getting out of your comfort zone and broadening your knowledge.” Sue adds,
“I never know what patient presentations I’m going to be faced with each day – It’s never boring! I’ve met so many wonderful people and worked at places I’d never have thought to go to. I’m 64 now and have no intention of retiring anytime yet!”
“Let more adventures begin, maybe some more future contracts with my sister would be an added touch of lovely!”
