Living together, working together (and even sharing a wardrobe): The mother and daughter admin superstars taking care of patients and staff

13 May, 2023, 7:30 am13 May, 2023, 7:38 am Jessica Chahine

Nicole Howard and Jasmine James-Howard could be easily mistaken for friends or sisters, but this duo is one of Western Sydney Local Health District’s (WSLHD) amazing sets of mothers and daughters working together.

Nicole is an executive support officer and has been with the district for five years, transitioning through recruitment and clinical governance roles before settling into her current role in the General Manager’s Unit at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals.

Jasmine was influenced by her mother’s work in the district and started working at WSLHD two years ago. They have even shared time working in the General Manager’s office together.

“It’s nice to have someone you know around,” Jasmine said.

The western Sydney locals were all laughs, reflecting on their shared lunch breaks while enjoying the sun.

Jasmine is now an executive assistant for the Clinical Network, Surgery and Surgery Specialties, but the two make time to catch-up during the day.

“We used to take our breaks together, and there was one day we were having lunch and fighting over salad dressing. We were attracting attention, and were eventually asked if we were mother and daughter; we hadn’t told anyone at that stage,” Jasmine said.

Jasmine is working toward completing her nursing degree at the end of the year and is excited to continue taking care of the people of western Sydney.

When asked what she’s most passionate about, Jasmine was quick to answer, “wanting to help people is a big part of it”.

It looks like this mother and daughter will be working together at WSLHD for many years to come, as Jasmine plans to stay at the district when she graduates.

“I’m really enjoying my time working here, and I want to continue to work here after I’ve finished my nursing degree,” she said.

“I don’t see myself working in any other district.”