From student, to graduate and beyond

14 Sep 2022

Luci’s first experience working at St John of God Geelong Hospital was during her university studies, completing multiple placements at the hospital she thought would be her ideal future workplace.

“On placement, I was able to experience firsthand what it was like working at the hospital and I couldn’t fault it,” Luci said.

“Every ward that I went to I felt supported, respected and part of the team. When applications came out for the St John of God Health Care graduate program, I knew it was where I wanted to work.”

Luci expected and wanted to be challenged during her graduate year and said the program delivered everything she wanted and more, with the support provided an undeniable highlight.

“My graduate program was a little different to some of the previous years as I started about a month before the world went into lockdown. My first rotation on the 2-South ward went from a surgical rotation to working in the COVID ward in a matter of weeks,” she said.

“I felt like I was thrown straight into the deep end, but I was lucky enough to have such fantastic nurses around me who were going through the same thing. 

“Even with all the moving around and fear of the unknown, everyone had each other's back and made sure others were ok.

“Every caregiver I came across, from doctors, nurses and ward clerks to hospitality and environmental staff, was extremely supportive, knowledgeable, friendly and committed.”

On completion of her graduate program, Luci set her sights on becoming an Associate Nurse Unit Manager.

“I am very dedicated and enthusiastic about my job and I love challenging myself and grabbing on to opportunities that come my way,” she said.

“Before I applied for the Associate Nurse Unit Manager role, I’d been given the opportunity to be in-charge for long stints on both day and night shifts, which I loved.

“I was very excited when the opportunity arose for the role, as I felt I had enough experience in my short time at the hospital to succeed in the position. I’m thankful the hospital backed me and my desire to grow.”

Luci said the career development opportunities offered to caregivers, from graduates to senior staff, was one of the things she loves best.

“The hospital provides a lot of opportunities for us to further educate ourselves and further expand our leadership and clinical skills and thinking,” she said.

“I have been lucky enough to work across multiple wards to grow my skills and learn from nurses in other specialties and scrub-in on complex theatre cases and day surgeries.

“The hospital also offers various education sessions. I attended one not long ago, where some of our top surgeons and doctors spoke to us in-depth about topics surrounding illnesses and surgeries.

“We have discovery programs that are offered each year which allow registered nurses to experience working in different units such as intensive care, cardiac care, emergency nursing and midwifery for six month periods. Graduates are also offered a chance to complete a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing through the University of Notre Dame Australia.

“The list goes on. I think it’s fantastic that the hospital offers so many opportunities.”

In speaking of her passion for nursing, Luci said she loves being able to make her patients feel comfortable and safe and credits the hospital for helping to foster that adoration.

“It is extremely fulfilling to be able to advocate and stand up for my patients when they cannot stand up for themselves,” she said.

“Nursing is one of, if not, the most rewarding careers. Every day we can help people in their most vulnerable and fragile state. We are a shoulder to cry on and a hand to hold.

“I have the best team around me, who are not only my colleagues but also my friends and I am grateful for every day that I get to spend working beside them.

“We are one big family that care not only about the lives and experiences of our patients, but of each other as well.

“I would recommend not just the graduate program, but working at St John of God Health Care, to anyone. Whatever happens, or whatever the world throws at you, the support and the commitment of caregivers will never change. 

“I couldn’t imagine myself working anywhere else.”