Emergency nursing has always been my passion. It is a delightful mixed bag of lollies, where every day is an unpredictable adventure.
After a decade in the Emergency Department at St John of God Murdoch Hospital as a Registered Nurse and Clinical Nurse, I made the leap to Duty Nurse Manager and recently found myself appointed as Nurse Manager. It feels like coming home; this department and its caregivers are my family.
My roots at St John of God Murdoch run deep. The ten years I spent in the Emergency Department shaped my perspective, and the caregivers and doctors became an integral part of my life. When I began to take on more leadership roles, it was only natural that I found my way back to the Emergency Department, my original home.
What I love most is the dynamic team and the opportunity to lead. It’s the perfect blend, and I feel like I have the best of both worlds now. Being at the forefront of patient care while steering the ship is a fulfilling experience.
Exciting changes are underway as the Murdoch Emergency Department undergoes a redesign, and it couldn’t come at a better time. It will give a fresh look to the area and include an expansion and refurbishment of the waiting area, a new triage area, admissions space, and examination rooms, and a revamped and extended ‘flight deck’ clinical control zone. This facelift is more than aesthetics; it's about improving functionality for both our staff and the patients we care for.
For those aspiring to be a leader in nursing, I advise them to lead from the heart, remain humble, and be authentic. These are the qualities I admire most in the leaders that have inspired me throughout my career and during my leadership journey. They are traits that have created a ripple effect that I strive to continue.
In closing, my Murdoch journey reflects the vibrancy of emergency nursing. Each day is a new challenge, an opportunity to learn and grow. With a dedicated team, a vision for improvement, and a commitment to genuine leadership, I look forward to navigating the ever-evolving seas of emergency nursing at St John of God Murdoch Hospital.
Emergency
Meet our caregivers
Hello there! I’m Jessica Hawke, and I’m thrilled to share my journey from Emergency Nurse to becoming Nurse Manager of the Emergency Department at St John of God Murdoch Hospital.
