Giving back in more ways than one

10 May 2023

Simon started working for St John of God Health Care in November 2019. 

Since then, he has been exposed to all areas of the Emergency Department from the practical hands-on side, to the operational and managerial side. 

“I have always loved the fast pace and urgency of the emergency department,” Simon said.

“I enjoy being able to come to work and end my shift knowing I’ve done some good. Whether it’s with patients, with my colleagues or even myself personally, if I’ve done that, I’ve had a good day.” 

Given the nature of Simon’s role, it can seem on the surface, quite challenging to get to know the patients he is treating. 

“Yes, it is more challenging, but you still have that human connection. There are moments where I get to hear about my patient’s journey outside of the situation they are in,” he said.

“A lot of people don’t see that when they think about the nursing profession.”

Passing on his knowledge is a definite perk for Simon, whether working with students, experienced caregivers, or those new to their nursing career. 

“One of the things I love is working with student nurses, passing on my knowledge, and then seeing them come to back to us, but as colleagues. It is so rewarding knowing that I may have had a small part in their career journey,” he said.

Simon otherwise splits his spare time between his family and giving back to the Western Australian community. 

“I’ve been doing community work for 20 years. I spend most of my time working with young people, and every year, I head up north to do a community project,” he said.

“My family comes with me, and while they don’t participate, they get to see how it affects the community.”

Nurses make up more than 50 per cent of our workforce and work across a diverse range of specialties at the bedside and beyond.

We thank and celebrate the excellent nurses we are fortunate enough to have as caregivers at St John of God Health Care as part of International Nurses Day on 12 May.