Nursing is a profession often associated with compassion, dedication and a strong desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.   For me, this calling to become a Registered Nurse goes beyond mere profession; it is deeply rooted in my personal history, my love for my community, and my  aspiration to inspire my two young children.    Born and raised in the Bega Valley of NSW, I have spent my entire life in this beautiful, close-knit community.   It is here that I have found my purpose as I embark on my journey to become a Registered Nurse.

The Bega Valley has always been more than just a place to call home, it is part of who I am.   Growing up in Bega, I have witnessed first-hand the unique challenges that rural communities face when it comes to healthcare access.   The shortage of healthcare providers, the limited resources, and the vast distances that patients must travel to receive medical care have shaped my determination to make a difference. Becoming a Registered Nurse in my community is not just a career choice; it is a commitment to address these challenges and contribute to society.

Not only am I a Bega Valley resident, but I m also a mother of two beautiful children.  I believe that pursuing this career path sets an example for my children, instilling in them the values of empathy, service and determination as a mature-aged nursing student.

As I take time to reflect on the past 3 years of completing my Bachelor of Nursing degree at the University of Wollongong (Bega campus) I am in awe of the transformative journey I have undertaken. From the early days of uncertainty and self-doubt about enrolling in a University course for the first time as a mature aged student I had no idea if I was capable of completing a degree especially as I had 2 children under 2 at the time.

The decision to pursue nursing was not an easy one. When I embarked on this journey, I was unsure about the specific area of nursing that would resonate with me. The prospect of navigating through diverse healthcare settings and finding my niche was both thrilling and intimidating. Little did I know that the hands-on experiences and challenges that awaited me would be the invaluable in which my passion for critical care nursing would be forged.

During my third year of study, the need to travel far for clinical placements was generally no longer required. As such, I undertook a 4-week placement in the Emergency Department, followed a few months later by a 5-week placement in the Intensive Care Unit at the South East Regional Hospital in Bega. The turning point in my journey came during my placements in the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit. These experiences not only tested my theoretical knowledge but also provided me with an unparalleled opportunity to witness the real-life scenarios that unfold in critical care settings. The ED, with its fast-paced and unpredictable nature, taught me the importance of quick thinking, effective communication, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations.

In the Intensive Care Unit, where every moment is a delicate dance between life and death, I found my calling. The gravity of the situations, the intricacies of managing critically ill patients, and the collaboration among the healthcare team left an indelible mark on my professional identity. The ICU became my classroom, and each patient I encountered became a teacher, imparting invaluable lessons about resilience, compassion, and the profound impact nurses can have on the lives of their patients. It was also during this rotation I was gifted a bouquet of flowers from a patient for providing exceptional care and also awarded a letter of commendation from the University of Wollongong.

Looking ahead, I am thrilled to take the next step in my nursing career as I prepare to embark on my New Grad position in the Surgical Ward at the South East Regional Hospital in 2024. I am eager to immerse myself in the challenges and rewards that come with being a new graduate Nurse, all while being supported by experienced colleagues and mentors. The prospect of further honing my skills, expanding my knowledge, and making a positive impact on the health outcomes of my community is both a privilege and a responsibility that I am ready to embrace. In 2025, the goal is to be working in the Intensive Care Unit at the South East Regional Hospital with the intention of completing a post graduate degree in Critical Care Nursing.

In conclusion, completing my Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Wollongong has been a transformative experience. From the initial uncertainty about my career path to the profound realisation that critical care nursing is my true calling, each step of this journey has contributed to my growth and development. The challenges faced in the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit have solidified my passion for critical care, and I am excited to channel this passion into my upcoming New Grad position with South East Regional Hospital. As I look forward to the next chapter of my career, I am grateful for the foundation laid by my education and clinical experiences, and I am eager to contribute meaningfully to the Nursing profession.

July marks the end of my first NewGrad rotation on surgical ward and the beginning of my second rotation in the peri-operative unit at the South East Regional Hospital. Reflecting on the past 6 months on the Surgical ward fills me with pride considering the circumstances. When I first started, there was no permanent Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) and no full-time Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE). Despite these challenges, I quickly developed the confidence to ask questions of my peers and proactively reach out to medical officers for patient care concerns.

For instance, there was a patient admitted with a complex post-operative issue that required immediate attention. Despite the ward being busy, I prioritised coordinating with the medical team to ensure the patient received prompt treatment and follow-up care. This experience taught me the importance of communication and proactive patient advocacy in a dynamic healthcare environment.

As a new graduate, I have been fortunate to receive the support of the after-hours Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE) during my time on the Surgical ward. This innovative role, being trialled by the South East Regional Hospital, has been instrumental in my development. The after-hours CNE not only provided clinical support but also took the time to educate me on specific patient cases, enhancing my knowledge and understanding significantly. Having the after-hours CNE available has been invaluable. On numerous occasions, they have come to the ward to assist with clinical challenges, offering guidance and sharing their expertise. This new role has bridged critical gaps in support for new graduates like myself, demonstrating the hospital’s commitment to fostering professional growth and ensuring high-quality patient care. I am grateful for the opportunity to benefit from such dedicated support early in my nursing career.

Towards the end of my 6 months on the Surgical Ward, I began learning how to cannulate and perform venepuncture under the guidance of the clinical nurse educators. While I haven’t yet been officially signed off for these skills, achieving competency in these clinical procedures has been a personal goal of mine. I am confident that during my next rotation in the peri-operative unit, I will successfully complete the clinical skill assessment and be certified in cannulation and venepuncture.

Overall, my time on the Surgical ward has been a journey of growth and learning, where I’ve developed essential skills and resilience that will continue to serve me in my nursing career.

As I write this report, it’s hard to believe it’s only been a week since I started in the Day Surgery Unit (DSU) at South East Regional Hospital—I already feel like I belong here. From the very first moment I stepped into the peri-operative unit, I was greeted with such warmth and hospitality. The welcoming atmosphere has made a significant impact on me. Everyone has been incredibly supportive and inclusive, which has made settling into my new role much easier. The sense of camaraderie among the team is evident and often the shift is started with a positive affirmation and words of encouragement from peri-operative management.

Starting in the day surgery unit, I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially since I had not had the chance to complete a theatre placement during my Bachelor’s degree. Some of my peers had described the DSU as “boring”, but my experience has been anything but that. The DSU is giving me the chance to acquire skills that extend beyond clinical practice. I have already learned how to admit patients for procedures, provide step-down care after their time in the post-anaesthetic care unit, and ensure patients are discharged with appropriate aftercare information. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead in the Day Surgery Unit. The positive environment and the genuine care shown by my colleagues have reaffirmed my passion for peri-operative nursing. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow in this supportive and dynamic environment at South East Regional Hospital.