A fearless pursuit of excellence has been the cornerstone of a nursing career that now spans more than five decades.

Enrolled Nurse Sharon Fear recently celebrated her incredible 50-year milestone at Anglican Care’s McIntosh Court.

After joining the dementia-specific residential aged care facility in 2022, she quickly formed a strong bond with both residents and staff.

“We’re very fortunate at McIntosh Court because we do have great staff,” she says.

“With dementia, it’s not an easy job and it’s not something that just falls into your lap.

“The staff are so attentive and do a terrific job – I couldn’t speak highly enough of them.”

Sharon started her nursing training at Cooma District Hospital in 1976 at the age of 17.

She went on to work at Royal Newcastle Hospital until it was forced to close due to damage from the 1989 earthquake.

A stint at Lingard Private Hospital in Merewether was followed by more than 20 years at Redhead Residential Care.

Sharon then took a break from nursing to care for her husband in his final years.

She returned to work four years ago and is now a Team Leader with Anglican Care.

“I always wanted to be a nurse and my mind never changed throughout my schooling,” Sharon says.

“You form connections with residents, and that’s what I love about aged care – you do get close to people.”

If you ask many of her colleagues, Sharon is compassionate, an advocate for residents, and fuelled by a relentless commitment.

In 2013, she achieved a career highlight by gaining her Diploma of Dementia Care at the University of Tasmania.

She continues to attend dementia education training in her own time and provides vital knowledge and insights at McIntosh Court.

So, following such a long and impressive career, what does she think of it all?

“I’d do it all again tomorrow,” she says.

“I’ve seen lots of changes between public and private, and the Royal Commission has done great things for aged care.

“I keep myself very fit, I go to the gym, and I want to work into my 70s.”