Embracing the pulse of emergency nursing - a nurse manager's journey
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.