NURSE Cheryl Nolte toyed with the idea of working in a medical practice when she first moved to town.
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But that wasn't to be, and 33 years later, Mrs Nolte is the nursing unit manager of Port Macquarie Base Hospital paediatric unit.
It is a position she has held for 13 years.
She started at the Hastings District Hospital, and worked in maternity and the special care nursery after Port Macquarie Base Hospital opened.
"It was big and beautiful," she said about the new base hospital 20 years ago. It is quite funny to look back now and think we are in a new part of the hospital and this is even bigger and better."
The paediatric unit moved to the hospital's new wing as part of the recent $110 redevelopment.
Hospital staff had input into the new-look areas which provided a greater sense of ownership.
Mrs Nolte was nursing unit manager of the paediatric and surgical wards for about 10 years and today her sole focus is paediatrics.
She has cared for patients across the generations during her time in Port Macquarie.
Reflecting on today's medical landscape, Mrs Nolte said we were so privileged in Port Macquarie.
"Not only do we have one of the most beautiful hospitals, we have some of the best doctors and surgeons," she said.
Mrs Nolte said she could not thank the community enough for its continued support.
"We just get so many donations, it's just amazing," she said.