Life Lessons: Kim Bettmann, Hospital orderly

Kim Bettmann. Photo / Richard Robinson

I have a ritual before work - I call my family just to say 'hi'. I call my mum and as many of my 17 brothers and sisters as I can. Doing what I do, I see families happy and I see them when they are sad and I just want to let my family know every day I love them.

A lot of people are surprised that I'm a woman and an orderly. When I turn up to take a patient to a ward some people say "Are you going to take me? But it's a heavy bed, won't it be hard for you?" That's when I smile and say 'no it's not a problem at all'.

I love to work in the emergency department. It's full of action and you meet all sorts of people and often they just want someone to listen to - and as I carry out my job I can do that for them.

I wanted to be a detective when I was young. I'd ride my bike with banana handle bars around the neighbourhood and interview the neighbours about their lost cats. I've never told anyone that.

My job has taught me life is a gift and never take it for granted. I'm much more proactive about my health - my doctor is very pleased with me.

I taught myself to surf. I try to get out every spare moment I have. I love it because of the tranquility. it's such a wonderful feeling when you're out on the ocean.

I hate putting makeup on. I can't do it, I'm like a 5-year-old with a colouring book.

I would never ever order snails on a menu - I tried them once, never again.
I don't cope well with a bad hair day - I have to do it again or wear a hat.

I wish more people would realise how fantastic our health system is, the people I work with at Auckland City Hospital really care about their patients and do a great job.

* Kim Bettman has been an orderly at Auckland Hospital for two years.