When Ljiljana Cvetkoska arrived in Australia in 1994, she knew just one English word: morning. Three decades later, she retires from Queanbeyan’s Emergency Department with an accomplished international career behind her and the respect of colleagues across the health service.
Born and raised in Serbia, Ljiljana began nursing college at just 15. She went on to complete a Bachelor of Nursing and added Latin and Russian to her clinical training. After marrying in 1980, she moved to Macedonia and joined the emergency department, eventually leading a team of over 50 nurses.
“It was a different time - reusable needles, no cannulas, and always formal protocols,” she recalls.
After relocating to Queanbeyan with her family, Ljiljana studied English at CIT in Canberra while volunteering in aged care. Encouraged by a supportive manager, she completed a one-year university bridging course to gain Australian registration - all while working evening shifts and raising two young children.
“I didn’t think I’d ever be a registered nurse again,” she says. “But once I was back in the role, I felt alive - I had purpose again.”
Ljiljana officially began work as a Registered Nurse in Australia in 1997. After seven years in aged care, she moved to Queanbeyan Hospital’s medical and surgical units, later taking on dual roles in the ward and emergency department before moving permanently to emergency in 2017. She often worked in senior roles, overseeing staffing, patient flow, emergency responses and clinical handovers.
Over her career, she has been recognised with the ACT International Nursing Award, Staff Member of the Year at Queanbeyan Health Service, and a patient safety award for improving handover between ED and the ward.
“I love the care you can provide someone,” says Ljiljana. “No machine can do that. It’s about connecting with people and supporting them to get better.”
Her impact on colleagues has been lasting. “Ljiljana has personally taught me to work at an incredibly high standard,” said Kelly Archer, Acting Nurse Unit Manager. “Her support and encouragement have shaped who I am as a leader.”
In June this year, Ljiljana embarked on a well-earned retirement. We thank her for her dedication to Southern and wish her the very best in her next chapter.