Donning her handmade cardboard nurse’s hat and costume when she was seven, Shannon Shipley knew nursing was the career for her.

Now, Shannon wears many hats as Clinical Products Coordinator for Ipswich Hospital’s surgical theatres.

Her more than 16 years as a theatre nurse ensures Shannon has first-hand knowledge of surgical equipment and techniques. Being Clinical Products Coordinator involves liaising with surgeons and product representatives, educating staff and sourcing products.

“It is my dream position, as it involves my two great loves: paperwork and nursing,” Shannon said, and she means it.

Theatre will always hold a special place in her heart as it is where she met her husband Darren, a Theatre Assistant, more than 11 years ago.

Shannon may have traded in her traditional “nurse’s hat” to take on the Clinical Products Coordinator role, but old habits die hard.

Now in her spare time, Shannon makes theatre caps in an array of patterns, and sells them to her colleagues.

Happy International Nurses Day to Shannon and the more than 2400 nurses working across West Moreton Health.

Thank you for the care you provide your patients day in and day out.