Gay Martin has been caring on and off for renal patient Peter Morrison since 1975. Picture: Dean Martin Source: The Advertiser

FRESH out of school, Gay Martin embarked in her life's work as a nurse. More than 40 years later, she is still doing the job she loves.

Ms Martin, 56, who works at Royal Adelaide Hospital, is one of the millions of nurses being celebrated today as part of International Nurses Day.

After training at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Ms Martin started in the renal ward.

In her late 30s, she travelled the world for two years - to Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Indonesia - using her renal nursing skills to set up dialysis centres in those countries.

In Adelaide, she's had many nursing roles, from training patients for dialysis to organising transplants for people.

But one role that has stood out from the others caring for renal patient Peter Morrison, 51.

Ms Martin has been his nurse since 1975, when at 14, he was first admitted to hospital for renal failure. Since then, he has been in and out of hospital, had two kidney transplants and will receive a third in June.

"Gay always goes that little bit extra," Mr Morrison said.

Ms Martin said: "It's very rewarding to see someone who faces the ups and downs, to see them get a transplant, become well and resume a healthy life."

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