If my time here on Earth ends, how do I want to be remembered?  What is the best way to use my career to help the individuals I look after?   As someone who has spent five years living in rural Australia, I have learned to value the areas natural beauty and abundance and the strong bonds that bind its people.  However, I have also noticed that the rural populations healthcare needs leave much to be desired as opposed to their urban counterparts.   According to one research, people in rural and isolated regions of Australia live shorter lives than people in cities.

Additionally, they have lower utilisation of primary health care services, increased hospitalisation rates, injuries and deaths, and unequal access to these treatments.   Although these figures are depressing, they have inspired me to engage in rural nursing to contribute to slowing these trends.

Being able to be a “generalist nurse” is one of the main reasons I want to work as a rural nurse.   Various skills are needed to address a wide range of clinical and primary healthcare demands because of the nature of rural locations and occasionally, the absence of health resources.   Every presentation is a opportunity to expand and develop my practice, pushing me beyond my comfort zone and helping me to acquire invaluable experience.  Every day presents a new challenge.   I get to use the best nursing practice – holistic nursing to provide care for patients in ways that will have the most significant positive impact.

I also appreciate rural nursing because of the intensity of this rural-specific interpersonal dynamic.  Because nurses are probably directly acquainted with every9one in their immediate vicinity, including patients and co-workers, there is a deeper level of connection and a constant sense of responsibility for interpersonal communications.

DESCRIPTION: My last workplace experience for my Bachelor of Nursing was at the Emergency Department (ED) in Southeast Regional Hospital Bega, NSW from 2^nd September 2024 to 4^th October 2024.

FEELINGS: Prior to the placement, I had mixed feelings about this placement unlike the previous ones. This was because other placements were done on wards with set routines and tasks as to how things should be done so once I understood the routine, I could get a hang of what to do. On the other hand, the emergency department was almost unpredictable as no one knew who or what issue was going to walk through the ED doors, so it made be feel very nervous and quite apprehensive.

EVALUATION: Despite my initial fears, a lot of good came out of this placement. Firstly, the team were welcoming and eager to educate and assist me where I needed help. This made it easy to stay composed and focus on learning. Secondly, the Clinical Nurse Educator was always around to answer questions and explain protocols and care interventions to be done. I was assigned to various sections of the ED from triage, mental health assessment to Resus and occasionally, with the various nurse practitioners to observe and participate in the emergency care provided to different categories of patients that are triaged. I was privileged to observe different simulations of trauma incidences that present to the emergency department, observe firsthand medical officers perform assessments of critically ill patients and explain how a diagnosis is deduced. These group of patients include but are not limited to paediatric, geriatric, patients who presented with mental health issues and even took care of a patient who was at end-of-life stage.

ANALYSIS: Reflecting on this experience, I have come to appreciate and deeply respect the vital role nurses play as members of the multidisciplinary health care team. The person-centred approach they use when providing care, the resilience they exhibit in the face of pressure and genuine compassion they show to all individuals who present to the healthcare setting no matter the health issue at hand is worth applauding. Truly, the unpredictability of the ED was a blessing in disguise as it provided a plethora of opportunities for learning, consolidation of skills and adding more experience to my existing body of knowledge.

CONCLUSION: This workplace experience has equipped me with more knowledge and skills to improve my work ethic and practice. I have learned that taking advantage of the knowledge and skills each team member brings to the table is essential.

ACTION PLAN: Going forward, I intend to embrace each workplace experience as a learning opportunity to be a better and well-rounded nurse. Most importantly, these trainings equip me to competent and completely equipped to provide holistic nursing care.

Description: During the third quarter of my role as a new graduate nurse in the acute mental health ward of Southeast Regional Hospital in Bega, NSW, I primarily worked in the High Dependency Unit (HDU), which often involved managing complex and challenging cases. This period was particularly challenging as a substantial number of senior nurses exited the ward, leaving most of the remaining staff as new, often inexperienced nurses. The responsibility of providing high-quality care under these circumstances was daunting yet enlightening, pushing me to adapt quickly and develop my skills in an unfamiliar environment.

Feelings: The departure of experienced colleagues left me feeling anxious and overwhelmed. I was particularly concerned about the implications their absence would have on patient care and team dynamics. As the ward became staffed with new graduates, I found myself questioning my capability to lead and support my peers effectively. However, amid this turbulence, I also felt a sense of determination to rise to the occasion and contribute positively to both patient care and team morale.

Evaluation: Evaluating my experiences during this period, I recognised both positive and negative aspects. On the one hand, the situation compelled me to step outside my comfort zone, thereby enhancing my critical thinking and decision-making skills. By collaborating with my fellow new nurses, we could share knowledge and support one another, fostering a sense of camaraderie. On the negative side, the lack of guidance and mentorship from senior staff often left me feeling isolated in my learning process, which led to moments of self-doubt.

Analysis: Reflecting on these challenges highlights the resilience of newly formed teams in high-pressure environments. The positive evolution of collaborative practices among peers demonstrated that even in less-than-ideal circumstances, we could form a functional support network. However, the absence of experienced nurses highlighted the critical need for strong mentorship in nursing practice, particularly in an acute mental health setting where patients often present with complex needs.

Taking my postgraduate course in “Leadership in Gerontology and Rehabilitation” has been instrumental in shaping my approach to these challenges. The course has equipped me with knowledge about effective leadership strategies and the importance of advocacy for my colleagues and patients. This has enabled me to transition from feeling overwhelmed to becoming a more confident and initiative-taking team member.

In conclusion, my experiences during this challenging period have significantly enhanced my skills and confidence as a nurse. While the initial feelings of anxiety and doubt were overwhelming, they motivated me to push through and develop my competencies. The combination of real-world experience and academic growth has allowed me to understand the importance of teamwork, resilience, and effective leadership within nursing practice.

Action Plan: Moving forward, my action plan involves several key steps. Firstly, I aim to establish a more formal peer mentorship system within our ward to support new nurses and facilitate their smooth transition into clinical practice. Secondly, I will continue my studies in leadership to develop further my ability to manage teams and advocate for improvements in patient care. I plan to pursue opportunities for further advanced training in mental health nursing, as I aspire to assume more responsibilities and transition into a leadership role in the future. This initiative-taking approach will not only contribute to my personal career goals but also enhance the overall functioning of our ward, ensuring we provide the best possible care to our patients.