Diane Ficher - North Eastern Community Hospital

Diane Ficher, 60, has been a Registered Nurse on the Steele Ward at Adelaide's North Eastern Community Hospital for 35 years.

What's the best part about your job?

I predominately still love looking after patients. Even in the same position I have variety in my role, including team leader and hospital-in-charge functions.

Over the years things have also changed in practice, especially with the introduction of laparoscopic procedures and more day surgery cases. There is an art of providing good quality and individualised care whilst being efficient. 

What is something about your job that not many people know about, and what would surprise other people about working in a private hospital?

The commitment the staff have to the hospital and each other.  This includes the relationship with our medical staff, which is very special with long standing and strong partnerships. 

What do you love about working in a private hospital?

In a small hospital everyone relies upon each other and knows how the hospital works. These relationships across the clinical, hospitality, maintenance and administrative teams are so important and provide a sense of achievement that we did it together.

What do you like to do outside of work and/or what is something your colleagues don't know about you?

I love gardening – growing and propagating plants, especially my own vegetables. I have a tendency to buy plants so need to be carefully supervised at garden centres. 

I grew up on a farm in Yorke Peninsula and commenced hospital nurse training in 1983 at The Children's Hospital, Adelaide. Our blue checked uniforms also included a hat and cape.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received? 

As you get more experienced and increase your knowledge you realise how much you have to learn.

• If you are looking for a role in a private hospital, check out the latest job opportunities here.

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20/3/2025 Kylie Campbell - Ramsay Health Care

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20/2/2025 Simone Hamilton - Brisbane Day Surgery