Thanks A Million: Katelyn Azzopardi who nursed others after having COVID-19

Royal Melbourne Hospital nurse Katelyn Azzopardi battled COVID-19, but all she could think about was getting back to work so she could help others.

Thanks a Million Campaign nomination Katelyn Azzopardi. Picture by Wayne Taylor

As Royal Melbourne Hospital nurse Katelyn Azzopardi lay in bed, struck down with the coronavirus, all she could think about was getting back to work so she could help others.

The 22-year-old has had one of the toughest baptisms imaginable in her first year as a registered nurse, spending many months working in a COVID-19 ward.

Azzopardi recalled “being rapt” at landing a job at the RMH last January.

Then as virus cases spiralled in March, her ward — the acute medical unit — was transformed into a COVID-19 ward and designated a “red zone” due to its high contamination risk.

Azzopardi and her colleagues added full personal protective equipment (PPE) to their uniform, including a gown, goggles, face shield and gloves.

“It was scary but more because of the uncertainty,” Azzopardi said.

“Especially at the start we were so unsure what to do because the protocols were changing daily. But the support from the hospital was exceptional, I never felt that I was in danger or alone.”

After suffering a bout of gastro, followed by a sore throat and headaches, she tested positive for COVID-19.

Katelyn Azzopardi out the front of the Royal Melbourne Hospital. She was nominated by her grandfather. Picture by Wayne Taylor

Although she quarantined herself in her bedroom, with her family delivering meals and water to her door, her younger sister Bethany and parents, Colleen and Paul, also tested positive a few days later.

“It was different to any other cold I ever had before,” she said.

“It was so scary when I got the positive result because it made it so real to me. I had never felt that sick before.”

But throughout her 14-day quarantine, Azzopardi thought of little else than getting back to the hospital.

“I was thinking of my colleagues and was so keen to get back to them to help, I felt I still had work to do, there were still a lot of sick people that needed help,” she said.

“Although 2020 was my first year in nursing, I feel the challenges I faced have made me a better nurse for the future. And that’s what I am focusing on now, a positive future.

“Even as a state, the way we pulled together was so amazing.”

Azzopardi has been nominated for the Thanks A Million Pride of Australia awards by her proud grandfather, Joe.

Thanks a Million is a Herald Sun/News Corp campaign recognising the exceptional work and efforts of our front line workers, police officers, paramedics, teachers, supermarket workers and all those who have gone above and beyond to help their fellow Australians through the many challenges we have faced during the bushfires and covid-19 pandemic this year.

To nominate someone you think is deserving of a special thank you for their efforts go here

and lodge your entry.

The most deserving recipients of our Thanks A Million Pride of Australia awards will be honoured in a special Thank You edition on January 24.

Originally published as Thanks A Million: Katelyn Azzopardi who nursed others after having COVID-19