Critical care nurse Ali Lewis has inspired daughter Steph in one of the RHH’s most difficult jobs

Steph Lewis has been inspired by her mum Ali since she was a little kid, so much so that she’s followed in her footsteps to work in one of the Royal Hobart Hospital’s most difficult jobs.

Ali Lewis with daughter Steph Lewis who are both registered nurses and work together in ICU at the Royal Hobart Hospital together. International Day of the Nurse will this year land also on Mother's Day. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) registered nurses and mother-daughter duo Ali and Steph Lewis have a lot to celebrate this Sunday, with International Nurses Day falling on the same day as Mother’s Day.

The pair will be using their day off from their regular intensive care unit rounds to enjoy a hike and lunch together.

Ali Lewis with daughter Steph Lewis. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Daughter Steph joined her mum Ali at the RHH almost five years ago, starting out in the respiratory ward before moving to work with her mum in the ICU.

“I always knew I wanted to be an ICU nurse, even from a little kid,” Steph said.

“Seeing how well-respected Mum was and how smart she is … I was drawn to it.”

Ali said she is constantly learning from her daughter though, despite being a nurse for nearly 40 years at the RHH spent mostly working in the ICU.

“I learn so much from Steph and the newer nurses and we share and bounce off of each other,” she said.

“We are able to debrief together and see the light in some diabolical situations.”

Sharing two shifts a fortnight together, Steph enjoys the time spent on the ward with her “best friend”.

Ali Lewis with daughter Steph Lewis who are both registered nurses and work together in ICU at the Royal Hobart Hospital together. International Day of the Nurse will this year land also on Mother's Day. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Both mother and daughter have a clear passion for the ICU as well, dedicated to being there for patients in their “emotional times”.

“It can be the hardest but most rewarding job in the ICU, we see when patients battle through illness and recover as well as when they unfortunately don’t,” Steph said.

“We get to be there for patients and their families to support them in those moments though, and that brings a lot to you in your work,” Ali said.