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.

As I approach the final months of my New Grad year, I reflect on the journey I have taken and feel a profound sense of accomplishment. This year has been a transformative experience, filled with challenges that have shaped my skills and growth. Each step, good and bad, has brought valuable lessons, and I am proud of how far I have come and the milestones I have achieved along the way.

It has been just over three months since I began my second rotation in the Day Surgery Unit at South East Regional Hospital, and I still love this area as much as I did on my first day. Each moment spent here reinforces my passion for this area of nursing. I have been allowed to spend time in the theatre during my time in the perioperative area, I have been allowed to spend time in the theatre. On one occasion, I was able to follow a patient’s admission to discharge to the surgical ward with the patient’s consent. I recently completed the admission process for a patient undergoing a shoulder replacement and had the opportunity to accompany them into the anesthetic bay. There, I gained valuable insights into the role of the anesthetic nurse. During the surgery, I learned about the responsibilities of the scout nurse and observed various other roles within the theatre room. The staff were incredibly supportive of my learning, always willing to answer my questions. After the procedure, I accompanied the patient to the Post Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU), where I assisted the nurse with post-operative observations and airway management, as the patient arrived with a laryngeal mask airway in place. Once the patient was stable for discharge, I successfully completed the handover process to the surgical ward nurse. This experience deepened my understanding of the surgical journey and reinforced my commitment to the patient journey.

Frequently, I have taken on the role of charge nurse in the Day Surgery Unit, which has significantly boosted my confidence and enhanced my organisational skills. This responsibility has allowed me to develop my leadership abilities and effectively manage patient flow throughout the day surgery unit, ensuring that everything runs smoothly throughout the day.

Recently, I met with my Nurse Unit Manager to discuss my desire to obtain a permanent position in Theatre after my New Grad year, focusing on anesthetic nursing. I am excited about the prospect of this role, as it enables me to engage with patients while gaining valuable skills in all areas of anesthetic care.
This opportunity will contribute to my professional growth and enhance my ability to positively impact patient experiences. Moving forward, I will soon learn whether my preference to remain in the theatre unit has been accepted. If I secure a permanent position, I plan to pursue a postgraduate degree in this
field in 2025. This will further enhance my knowledge and skills.

In conclusion, my New Grad year has been a pivotal journey filled with learning, growth, and a deepening commitment to nursing. The experiences I have gained, particularly in the Day Surgery Unit, PACU and the theatre environment, have solidified my passion for anesthetic nursing. As I look forward to the possibility of a permanent position in Theatres, I am eager to continue expanding my skills and contributing to patient care. I am excited about the future and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients and the healthcare team.