Supported to succeed and thrive

23 Aug 2022

Starting a new job is always challenging but for Nicholas, who joined St John of God Geelong Hospital’s surgery centre in May 2022, he’s felt supported by the team around him from the get-go.

“There’s a great dynamic in the surgery centre with caregivers who are really helpful and willing to assist whenever you have questions,” Nicholas said.

“No matter what area of health care you work in, COVID-19 has certainly made things hard, but being able to work well with your team is really important in terms of making it through and managing the stresses that come with it.

“My managers are also supportive of my desire to upskill in various areas and have provided me with training opportunities while also being flexible with out-of-work commitments, which is awesome.

“This dynamic allows us to perform well as a team, while ensuring I feel comfortable and supported to develop my career.”

Nicholas applied for the job at the surgery centre because it was an opportunity to return to clinical nursing.

“After working in other hospitals over the years and then working in mental health for the first part of COVID, I was looking forward to getting back into a clinical setting,” he said.

“The surgery centre seemed like a great challenge for me and has turned out to be very positive for my personal development.

“My role includes working with patients during pre-admission, admitting patients for surgery, assisting them in recovery and I am about to start assisting in theatre.

“I love the patient interaction and being able to banter with them and make them feel relaxed before they go into surgery, while still being professional.”

Nicholas said he was excited about taking the step into theatre.

“Being a nurse at the surgery centre has been a great introduction into theatre nursing,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to working in theatre alongside the team and advancing my skills further.”