My name is Jayna Dickinson, and I am a proud Bega Valley Shire community member.  I am a mother and a proud 4th generation nurse on my maternal side, a heritage that inspires me daily.   Completing my Bachelor of Nursing degree has been a significant achievement for me, and I am driven to positively influence my children, especially my daughter who is eager to follow in my footsteps and become a nurse herself.

Becoming a rural/regional nurse is a deeply personal aspiration for me, rooted in my own experiences and the profound impact that healthcare can have on underserved communities.   Growing up in a small town, I have witnessed first hand the challenges individuals in rural and regional areas face regarding accessing quality healthcare.   This experience ignited a passion within me to serve in these communities.   I am motivated to make a difference in the lives of those who often feel overlooked.

One of the most compelling reasons I wish to become a rural/regional nurse is the opportunity to build meaningful professional relationships with my patients.  In smaller communities, healthcare providers often have the privilege of knowing their patients on a personal level.   This connection fosters trust and allows for more personalised care.  I believe that being a rural nurse will enable me to treat illnesses and understand the unique circumstances and challenges my  patients face.   I want to be a familiar face in the community, someone who listens and advocates for their needs, ensuring they receive the care they deserve.

Additionally, I am drawn to the versatility and adaptability required in rural/regional nursing.  In these settings, nurses often war many hats, taking on various roles and responsibilities that may not be as prevalent in urban healthcare environments.   This dynamic nature of rural nursing excited me, as I thrive in situations that require critical thinking and resourcefulness.   I am eager to develop a broad skill set that will allow me to respond effectively to a wide range of health issues, from emergency situations to diverse circumstances is something I find incredibly rewarding.

As I take a moment to reflect on the significant period between completing my Bachelor of Nursing degree and gearing up for my New Graduate Registered Nurse role, I understand that this time has been nothing short of transformative. It is characterised by profound achievements, personal growth, and a newfound clarity about my future in the nursing profession. Each experience—whether challenging or uplifting—has shaped my aspirations, enhanced my skills, and prepared me to enter a field I am deeply passionate about.

In October, just a month before I would have my last ever OSCA, I was fortunate enough to secure a temporary Assistant in Nursing (AIN) position at a local aged care facility. This opportunity allowed me to immediately put the theoretical knowledge I had cultivated throughout my studies into practice. It was exciting to transition from the classroom to the clinical environment, where I could apply my learning in real-life situations. Upon stepping into the aged care facility, I was profoundly moved by the strong relationships that developed between the staff, residents, and their families. It was clear that every interaction had significance; the bonds formed and the stories shared greatly enriched the atmosphere of the facility. Providing care, support, and companionship to the elderly has been immensely rewarding, and I am privileged to have been entrusted with their care. This experience has helped me refine essential skills such as effective communication, empathy, and adaptability—qualities that will serve me well in my nursing career.

Receiving my final grades marked a crucial milestone in my journey. The moment I saw the culmination of years of hard work and late-night study sessions reflected in the results filled me with immense pride and gratitude. This achievement was not just a personal victory; it was a shared celebration with family, friends, and fellow students who stood by me, offering encouragement and unwavering support throughout this arduous journey. The collective acknowledgment of our hard work and shared sacrifices made the success even sweeter and reinforced my commitment to nursing.

Graduation day was a highlight that I will cherish forever. As I stood among my peers, dressed in caps and gowns, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and excitement radiate throughout the venue. This ceremony was not merely a formal celebration; it was a profound gathering of individuals who had faced challenges and triumphs together. We shared laughter, tears, and poignant stories of perseverance, recognising the significance of our collective achievement and the dreams we are striving to fulfil in our nursing careers. The experience of walking across that stage was more than just receiving a degree; it was an acknowledgment of my resilience and an affirmation of my dedication to the field of nursing. This moment etched a lasting sense of belonging and camaraderie into my heart, as we were unified by both our shared experiences and our aspirations to provide compassionate care to others.

However, the excitement soon gave way to a mix of nervous anticipation and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I found myself anxiously awaiting an email about my first rotation for my New Graduate placement. When the email finally arrived, revealing that I would begin my journey at Pambula Hospital, a small 12-bed sub-acute facility, I experienced a momentary dip in my spirits. Initially, I felt disappointment; this rotation did not align with the high-acuity environment I had envisioned for honing my clinical skills and enhancing my critical thinking abilities. I had anticipated exposure to a diverse array of patient cases in a bustling setting, expecting this experience would deeply challenge my knowledge and shape my clinical reasoning.

Yet, in the face of this unexpected turn, I refused to succumb to negativity. Instead, I took a moment to reflect on the unique potential offered by this smaller, community-oriented hospital. Upon closer examination, I recognised that Pambula Hospital provides a wide range of health services, including a nurse-led assessment and treatment centre for walk-in patients, as well as various other services that I hadn’t considered. This environment not only promises invaluable learning experiences but also offers the chance to develop a more holistic understanding of patient care. The slower pace of a sub-acute facility will afford me the opportunity to engage deeply with patients, conduct thorough assessments, and implement individualised care plans. This structured yet nurturing environment, removed from the frenetic pace of larger wards, creates a perfect atmosphere for learning and personal development.

With this renewed perspective, I have set about developing a clear vision for my upcoming rotation. I have identified specific areas where I wanted to concentrate my efforts: solidifying my documentation and time-management skills, refining my ISBAR handovers for clarity and efficiency, mastering comprehensive patient assessments, and expanding my understanding of medications, particularly their mechanisms of action and potential interactions, and so much more. By setting these goals, I have not only given myself clear direction but also transformed any initial feelings of disappointment into excitement about the wealth of knowledge and experience that lies ahead. I firmly believe that every experience, no matter how seemingly small, will contribute to my evolution as a competent and compassionate nurse.

Shifting my mindset to one of gratitude has allowed me to recognise just how lucky I am. I realised that having the opportunity to study full-time close to my hometown was a privilege I did not take for granted. Completing my Bachelor of Nursing—a lifelong ambition—felt like a dream realised. I am not merely another graduate; I have earned this achievement through unwavering dedication and determination. Furthermore, I am thrilled to have secured a New Graduate position—especially within a facility that holds sentimental significance, as it is the very hospital where I took my first breath almost 35 years ago. This connection not only adds a personal touch to my new role but also deepens my commitment to the community that has nurtured me. I feel inspired to give back in meaningful ways, knowing that my contributions will impact the lives of patients and their families in this familiar setting.

As the countdown to February 3rd approaches, the date when my journey as a New Graduate Registered Nurse officially begins, I am filled with an exhilarating sense of anticipation. Each passing day serves as a reminder that I am on the brink of stepping into a profession that I am truly passionate about. I eagerly welcome the challenges that await me, knowing each obstacle is not just a hurdle but a valuable opportunity for growth and development. I am ready to embrace the lessons that come with both successes and setbacks, understanding that they will shape me into a more effective and compassionate caregiver.

In closing, this transitional period has been much more than just a time of waiting; it has marked the beginning of an extraordinary chapter characterised by reflection, gratitude, and preparation. The diverse experiences I have gained, combined with the invaluable lessons yet to come, lay a solid foundation for my nursing career. I feel invigorated and ready to embark on this path of dedicated service, equipped with both knowledge and the humility to learn from every interaction I have with patients, families, and colleagues.

Reaching the halfway mark of my new graduate year feels like such a significant moment to pause and look back on. When I think about the past six months, I can see just how far I have come, not only in the skills I have gained as a nurse, but also in the confidence, resilience and balance I have found in myself. It has not all been easy. There have been plenty of overwhelming days, steep learning curves, and moments where I have doubted myself. But there have also been countless reminders of why I chose this career and why it feels so right.

Since finishing my first rotation, I have stepped into the Medical Ward at South East Regional Hospital, and this has opened a whole new side of nursing for me. The pace is busier, the patients more complex, and the demands on my time and decision-making skills even greater. Each shift pushed me to think critically, to juggle the needs of multiple patients, and to find a rhythm in the midst of the unexpected. While I still feel at times I am just trying to stay afloat, I can see my confidence and capability growing. Medication administration, documentation, and recognising subtle changes in patients’ conditions, and managing the constant flow of tasks are beginning to terrify me less, and they are challenges I am starting to embrace, while constantly reflecting on how I can improve.

What has stood out most during my new graduate year so far is how important communication and empathy are. It is not just about ticking of clinical tasks or getting through a busy shift. Taking a few extra minutes to listen, explain or reassure has often made the biggest difference in my patients’ days. I have learned that the heart of nursing lies in those small but powerful connections, especially when people are at their most vulnerable.

I have been incredibly lucky to work alongside supportive colleagues who continue to guide me. Watching how experienced nurses carry themselves, handle pressure, and still show kindness is inspiring. They have encouraged me to ask questions, given me the confidence to back myself, and reminded me that no one is expected to have all the answers straight away. The sense of teamwork on the ward has been invaluable. Nursing is demanding work, but it feels so much lighter when you know you’re part of a team that has your back.

Balancing this professional journey with being a partner and mum to three children is still one of my biggest challenges, but also one of my strongest motivations. Juggling shift work, childcare, and family life is not always easy, but it has helped me grow my resilience, organisation, and self-compassion. I want my children to see that work, perseverance and following your passions are worth it. There are days when I feel stretched thin, but they are soon forgotten by the moments when I look at both my family and my career and feel an enormous sense of pride.

Looking ahead to the remainder of my graduate year, I am eager to continue consolidating my clinical practice, broadening my knowledge, and further developing my resilience in the face of challenges. I also hope to strengthen my leadership skills, particularly in supporting students and contributing to the positive team culture that has supported me so well. Most importantly, I want to maintain the balance between my professional and personal responsibilities so that I can sustain a long and fulfilling career in nursing.

Six months into this journey, my conviction that nursing is more than a profession – it is a calling, has only deepened. I feel proud of the growth I have achieved so far, grateful for the support and mentorship I have received, and motivated to continue embracing both challenges and the joys of this path. This journey is shaping me into not only a more skilled nurse, but also a more resilient, compassionate and purposeful individual. With every shift, I feel more certain that I am exactly where I am meant to be.