Meet the Locals… Nurse Yvette Watts

Where were you born?
Longreach, Queensland.

How long have you lived in Tieri, and what brought you here?
I arrived in 2020. My daughter and son-in-law had moved to Central Queensland and announced baby number three was on the way. Tieri Medical advertised for a full-time nurse and voila!

Have you always been in nursing?
Apart from a short time as a high school student, working in the Coles Deli and Fossey’s, yes. I began nursing in 1984 at Rockhampton Base Hospital. Hospital-based employment allows for a variety of settings and roles – medical ward, day surgery, post op recovery, psychiatric, ICU, CCU, NICU, infection control and prevention clinic. I found my niche in endoscopy and worked in that field for 20 years. 

I moonlighted for a first aid and medical transport company, attending Motor Cross and Kart race events. The role of Practice Nurse opened my eyes to the scope of the GP role in that it requires so much skill to treat every system of the human body in one day. GP’s became my new heroes. It really has become the job of my dreams, everything I hoped nursing would be.

What led you to become a nurse?
A toy medical bag and microscope as a child which my sister and I used to assess and treat our dolls and teddies. Our Mum employed many home remedies and encouraged us to pursue a career. I really enjoyed microbiology and chemistry at high school. I was among the last groups of nurses trained in-hospital. Qualification was gained through sheer grit and determination in the early years – shiftwork, studying and the friendships forged with fellow nurses was all worth the loss of sleep.

What does a typical day look like for you in your role as Tieri’s general practice nurse?
It’s so varied. I collect pathology, attend wound dressings, administer vaccinations, attend infusions and venesection procedures for too much iron in the blood. I also collect data for Oaky Creek’s mine medicals, including spirometry and audiometry. I ensure patients stay engaged with the practice for follow up and keep up with professional skills development.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
I get to talk to so many people from all walks of life. Nursing is a very creative and rewarding job and there’s opportunities to have many careers with one qualification, although the learning and gaining new skills and qualifications never stops.

What do you think people sometimes misunderstand about nursing?
It’s not about checking your blood pressure – it’s learning about you and your challenges through face-to-face communication with patients. We’re always learning about medical and surgical conditions, the impact of these conditions on quality of life, and how patients manage those challenges. Patients teach healthcare professionals A LOT!

What changes have you noticed in the community since you started working here?
This community is so engaged in supporting each other, especially through tough times. There’s a great basis of friendship and connection where ideas are shared. There is a lot of interest now in functional medicine and becoming healthier and happier.

What might people be surprised to learn about you?
Aaron and I got married on 29th August 2026. 

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Relaxing with Aaron and our German Shepherd, Sarge. Wedding plans and renovations have been all consuming, but it gives us both a huge boost to see the projects coming together. We both love to cook and have a bit of a green thumb when time permits, with roses one of our favourite flowers. We have a dream to create a self-sustaining eco farm one day.

Who has had the biggest influence on your life or career?
All the nurses who showed calm confidence in the face of dire circumstances, from an RN at RBH, Carmel when I faced my first patient cardiac arrest, to the nurses who had faith in me and encouraged professional development (they know who they are – a wonderful team at Sunshine Coast Hospital). And, of course, the most loving, calming friend and soul mate, Aaron.

If you weren’t a nurse, what do you think you’d be doing?
I’d have studied history or been a builder.

What’s one thing on your personal bucket list?
To learn a bit more Italian and take a slow trip around Italy.

Quick-Fire Round…

3 words you’d use to describe yourself? A good listener with a shoulder to lean on, compassionate, and determined.

3 words your friends and family would use to describe you? Dreamer. Connector. Mrs. Fix-it.

5 things you can’t live without? Magnesium; a book to read before sleep; Aaron, our kids and grandies; cuddles with Sarge, the German Shepherd and catch ups with my sisters.

Dead or alive, who would be your ideal dinner guests? Randy Travis, Garth Brooks (entertainment covered), Ben Azadi, Sean Baker (cooks a great steak), Carl Barron – so dead pan, cracks me up.

Favourite comfort food? Porridge with fresh milk and syrup.

Best advice you’ve ever been given? Eat your porridge 😉 No, not really…probably to brush AND floss.