Celebrating our nurses: Orlissia Forde

On International Nurses Day, we take the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible nurses who work alongside our Mob every day, providing compassionate and culturally safe care. Today we’re shining a spotlight on Orlissia, whose dedication to nursing and community health spans more than 28 years.

“I’ve always wanted to work in health care and support Mob, showing respect and helping wherever I can,” she says.

For Orlissia, clinic nursing is about far more than treating illness. Her role is centred on walking alongside patients in a culturally safe and respectful way, supporting them across their health journey. A typical day involves balancing hands-on clinical care with coordination and documentation, including providing immunisations, wound care, health checks, and patient education, while also supporting GPs. Strong organisation, adaptability, and clear communication are essential, but building trust with patients remains at the heart of her work.

Nursing is a family legacy for Orlissia. A third-generation nurse, she was drawn to the profession because it combines clinical skill with compassion and problem-solving. Over nearly three decades, she has worked across many parts of Australia, including the Northern Territory, Central Australia, the Top End, Far North Queensland, the Torres Strait, and south-west and South East Queensland.

These experiences have reinforced how vital culturally safe and respectful care is, and how much impact a nurse can have by listening, building trust, and supporting patients and families over the long term.

“Being able to walk alongside patients, rather than just treat conditions, really aligns with my values,” she explains.

For those considering nursing as a career, Orlissia offers thoughtful advice. She describes nursing as a rewarding but demanding profession that requires a clear sense of purpose, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a genuine desire to care for others.

“If you value connection, advocacy, and making a real difference in people’s lives,” she says, “nursing can be an incredibly meaningful career choice.”