On this International Nurses Day (12 May), we’re celebrating the nurses across Auckland Radiology, who put patients at the centre of everything they do. Today, we’re proud to spotlight two of our nurses.
Jacky (Jacqueline) Hatton 
Practice Nurse, 99 Remuera clinic
Jacky Hatton has been a Practice Nurse with Auckland Radiology Group (ARG) for more than nine years, following a 17-year break from nursing to raise her two sons - including her first, who was born 11 weeks premature. She returned to the profession by completing a Return to Nursing Competency Programme.
“ARG was actually my first job interview after finishing the programme,” she says. “I was thrilled, but very nervous, to be accepted."
When asked what first drew her to nursing, Jacky says there wasn’t a single defining moment.
“To be honest, there wasn’t one big inspiration,” she explains.
"Several friends from school were enrolling in the Wellington Hospital General and Obstetrics Nursing course, so I joined them. I was also a bit of an admirer of ‘Hotlips’ Houlihan, the confident army nurse from the 70’s TV series, MASH*.”
What keeps her motivated today is the environment she works in.
“I love working for this company. I’ve been supported, rewarded and genuinely looked after, which makes my job so enjoyable and motivates me to do the best I can for my patients and colleagues.”
When asked about moments that have stayed with her throughout her career, Jacky says there have been countless reminders of the impact nursing can have.
“I love being able to have time with some of our patients who come in for palliative care and are comfortable to talk about their illness and everything it involves,” she says. “Listening is very powerful.”
She also recalls being recognised years later by a former patient she had nursed in a public hospital.
“She had suffered a horrendous injury and survived with no complications.”
She says being remembered like that was incredibly special.
If there’s one thing Jacky hopes people take away this International Nurses Day, it’s an appreciation for both the dedication and humanity of nurses.
“We love what we do, we care and always put our patients first, but we are human.”
Carla Valdez 
Practice Nurse, Northern clinic
Carla Valdez first joined Auckland Radiology Group in 2016 and returned to the team in 2023, a decision she says felt like coming home.
“Returning was easy. I knew the team, the culture, and I loved being close to home.”
For Carla, nursing is about understanding what patients may be carrying with them into an appointment, often unseen.
“As a nurse, I’ve learned that when patients seem irritable or frustrated, it’s rarely about me. They’re facing challenges beyond their control.”
She says responding with empathy and patience can make a meaningful difference.
“Kindness goes a long way, not just with patients but with colleagues too.”
When asked what inspired her to become a nurse, Carla says healthcare was always part of her world growing up.
“I’ve always been surrounded by nurses and healthcare workers in my family, so being in the medical field was always in the background.”
She was drawn specifically to nursing because of the variety the profession offers and the central role nurses play in patient care.
“What drew me to nursing is how broad it is. There are so many specialities you can grow into, and nurses play such a central role in bridging patients with doctors and other allied health professionals.”
Personal experiences with family members in hospital further reinforced her decision.
“It was always the nurses who were the face of care. They were the ones who came to our aid, checked in, and made difficult situations feel a little more manageable.”
That sense of purpose continues to motivate her today.
“Being able to support people in a very real and human way is what keeps me motivated.”
If there’s one thing Carla hopes people take away this International Nurses Day, it’s a better understanding of the balance nurses manage every day.
“People see the caring side of nursing, which is a big part of it, but there’s also a lot happening behind the scenes.”
She says nursing requires constant focus, responsibility, and decision‑making.
“You’re managing time, safety, people, and emotions all at once. It’s not just about being kind, it’s about staying calm under pressure and knowing what needs to happen next.”
For Carla, it’s that balance that makes nursing both challenging and deeply meaningful.
“It’s a balance of care and responsibility. While it can be challenging, it’s also what makes the role so meaningful.”