Kirsty Macarthur didn¡¯t set out to work in gerontology, but, somewhere along the way, the work found her.
Now, as the Nurse Unit Manager at Gold Coast University Hospital¡¯s new Sub-Acute Building, Kirsty is helping shape the Acute Cognitive Unit (ACU) and Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) Unit from the ground up. It¡¯s a role that perfectly aligns with her steady, patient-focused leadership style and her passion for making a real difference in the later stages of life.
Tell us about your career journey and what led you to work with older adults?
I¡¯ve been a nurse for more than 20 years, working across both hospital and community care.
I started out in Sydney as a surgical nurse, then moved to the Blue Mountains where I focused more on chronic and palliative care. For the past six years, I¡¯ve specialised in gerontology ¨C which is the study of ageing and caring for older adults ¨C and worked as a NUM on a General Medicine Unit.
I didn¡¯t plan to go into geriatric nursing, but over time I found myself more and more involved in caring for older adults. There¡¯s something incredibly rewarding about making a real difference in someone¡¯s later years. And I feel fortunate to be part of that.
What attracted you to Gold Coast Health?
The job ¨C I hadn¡¯t really decided where I wanted to move after leaving NSW and was keeping an open mind about different opportunities. When I came across this role, it just felt like the perfect fit.
As the Acute Cognitive Unit (ACU) and Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) Unit NUM at Sub-Acute, you uniquely influence the Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) model of care ¨C what is your vision?
Being part of a brand-new facility with a fresh, innovative model of care gives me a rare opportunity to bring my experience for gerontology to life and help shape something truly meaningful from the ground up.
My vision for our unit is to set the benchmark for exceptional gerontological care where every aspect of what we do is person-centred and collaborative. Through my involvement in the working groups shaping our care model, I¡¯m able to contribute my experience, share ideas and help build a positive, inclusive culture for both patients and staff.
This includes thoughtful enhancements to the physical environment of the new unit that supports wellbeing and dignity. It¡¯s a true team effort - and I¡¯m proud to be part of it.
What do you love about working with older adults?
There¡¯s so much to love about working with older people. It¡¯s a privilege to be able to make a positive difference in the later stages of someone¡¯s life. I find it genuinely enriching to hear their stories and learn from their experiences. There¡¯s a lot of personal growth that comes with that.
I also value the advocacy side of the role and the teamwork it takes to provide the right support, especially for those living with dementia and experiencing changed behaviours. Being able to help someone through vulnerable and often frightening moments is incredibly rewarding.
What are some of the challenges you anticipate in this role, and how do you plan to address them?
Coordinating patient care across multiple disciplines and keeping communication clear can be a challenge. That¡¯s why key clinical leads from medicine, nursing and allied health have developed a tailored framework for our unit that tackles these issues head-on.
It not only recognises the complexity of coordinated care but also puts practical processes in place to strengthen collaboration and streamline teamwork, so everyone stays on the same page and patients receive the best possible support.
When it¡¯s complete, what will the new GCUH Sub-Acute Building mean for the community?
One key lesson I¡¯ve learned from working in dementia care, especially in acute settings, is just how much the environment matters. Poorly designed spaces can have a big impact on a person¡¯s wellbeing. That¡¯s why I¡¯m passionate about helping to create a space where families feel reassured, where they can see and feel the positive changes and know their loved ones are in good hands.
GCUH¡¯s new Sub-Acute Building has been carefully designed with this in mind. It¡¯s a safe, calming and supportive environment tailored to meet the needs of older adults, including those living with dementia.
Lastly, what do you do to stay healthy?
For me, it¡¯s the simple things. I enjoy eating great food, staying active and reading. I also love connecting with people and enjoying the outdoors whenever I can.
Interested in joining the team?
We¡¯re recruiting health care professionals to join Acute Cognitive Unit and Geriatric Evaluation & Management Unit (ACU/GEM) located at the new H Block at GCUH. Roles include Clinical Facilitator, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Clinical Nurse, Registered Nurse and Nurse Educator. This is your chance to work in a modern, dynamic environment with rewarding community connections. Apply now via SmartJobs. Email [email protected] to learn more.