“When I saw this position come up, it was almost as if everything aligned. I came to have a look and I fell in love with Wagga. It feels like home,” Ms Herrera said.

“There is something about Calvary Riverina and the region. It feels like a community and that was really important to me when I made the decision to move my family here from Sydney.”

Sonia’s Story

As the Director of Clinical Services, Ms Herrera oversees and is responsible for Calvary Riverina’s operations including the delivery, management and running of the hospital’s services. Her background and the knowledge Ms Herrera gained as a nurse is always front of mind.

“At the beginning of my nursing career, I was guided by people who had a sense of compassion. It wasn’t just nursing to them, I was taught by people who were compassionate and felt they had a duty of care. Those values have been instilled in me and I have taken them with me throughout my career,” Ms Herrera said.

“As a nurse, people allow us to be there for them at their worst and tell us things they would never tell anyone else. That is a privilege and I never forget that.”

Ms Herrera’s career path required a lot of determination. She knew she wanted to work in healthcare, however, as a single mother it wasn’t easy.

“I started my nursing career as a cleaner in a doctor’s surgery and worked there while I studied so I could put myself through school,” Ms Herrera said.

Ms Herrera also worked as an Assistant in Nursing in aged care and hospitals, before becoming a registered nurse.

“I will never ever forget how I started and how I learnt how to be a nurse,” Ms Herrera said.

Calvary Riverina Hospital General Manager, Jacki Hilton, said Ms Herrera has quickly become a valuable member of the team.

“Sonia has worked across a range of specialties including mental health, drug and alcohol, aged care and emergency care. Here expertise and knowledge are a real asset to Calvary Riverina,” Ms Hilton said.

“It is an exciting time for our hospital and Sonia will play an important role in the future planning of Calvary Riverina as we work to ensure that we are meeting the growing health needs of the community.”

“Calvary Riverina Hospital is an integral part of this community, and I’m committed to working with the team and the community to ensure that we are meeting any health challenges that come our way,” Ms Herrera added.