ON International Nurses Day, May 12, Bass Coast Health (BCH) is honouring the many fabulous nurses who provide compassionate care to the community.
The dedicated and hard-working nurses of BCH are the backbone of the health service, caring for patients when they are at their most vulnerable, and demonstrating a genuine interest in patients’ health and wellbeing.
They are skilled in many ways and are constantly learning to ensure the care they provide is the best and most contemporary available.
Acting BCH CEO Chris Henderson began her career as a nurse. As Chief Nurse at BCH, she appreciates the empathy, patience, tenacity and skill they require to perform their roles.
“Our nurses treat every patient as though they were their own parent or child, and also extend this level of care to patients’ families,” she said.
“It’s a role that brings a lot of joy and fulfilment, and while it’s not without its challenges, nursing is a rewarding career.
“At BCH, we have such a wonderful nursing staff who work in clinical settings and in the community to help the people of the Bass Coast enjoy optimal health.
“On International Nurses’ Day, we invite everyone to say ‘thanks’ to our valued nurses.”
The nurses of BCH share why they enjoy their work.
Theatre Nurse Jodie Kilner said, “We have a lot of fun, and we work well together”, a sentiment shared by Theatre Nurse Alyssa Hughes, who said, “It’s like a big family. It’s very inclusive and supportive.”
Theatre Nurse Meg Fitzgerald added, “I like building relationships with the surgeons. It’s a good variety and we’re always learning, and there are a lot of development opportunities.”
Kodowlinun Ward Registered Nurse Janessa McLean said nursing is a diverse career.
“I enjoy nursing because of the clinical skills I get to practise and the variety of them I get to experience at Bass Coast Health,” she said.
Kodowlinun patient Gary Lyon said the nurses at Wonthaggi Hospital were “fantastic”.
“They actually care for you, and they want you to get better. They’re my guardian angels,” he said.
L. Rigby Cancer Centre Endorsed Enrolled Nurse Coral Haw loves her work.
“Everyone in this unit is friendly and supportive of each other. We build a real rapport with our patients and their families,” she said.
“It brings me a lot of pride to help provide such a specialty service to a rural area.”
Coral said nurses are able to make a difference at every stage of someone’s life.
“Plus, it’s a career in which you never stop learning, and you make life-long friends,” she said.
Gemma Phillips is a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at Wonthaggi Hospital and relishes her role.
“I like the variety of presentations and the opportunities to upskill to do more caring of high acuity patients,” she said.
Her patient, Geoff McKenzie, was grateful for the support he received during a recent stay.
“The nurses are marvellous, and they make you feel special,” he said.
Armitage House Endorsed Enrolled Nurse Maggie Gibson enjoys the atmosphere and teamwork.
“Nursing is a good career because it is so versatile in its role and there’s something for everyone,” she said.
Graduate Nurse Zoe Atkins is working with Maggie in Armitage House, providing sub-acute services.
“Nursing is very rewarding and there are so many different opportunities and pathways to go down,” she said.
If you would like to work as a nurse with BCH, email hr@basscoasthealth.org.au or to see the current vacancies, go to: seek.com.au/Bass-CoastHealth-jobs/at-this-company.
