Bass Coast Health is proud to pay tribute to the hard work, skill and dedication of its nurses on International Nurses Day, 12 May.

The BCH Nursing team is wonderfully diverse, hugely compassionate and are essential to the everyday work of our health service.

They care for patients in every part of our health service, as well as in the patient’s home.

BCH CEO Jan Child, a Registered Nurse herself, said whilst she is probably biased, she believes nurses are always hugely special people with an expansive skill set and big, kind hearts. Nurses work around the clock to care for people in need.

“Nurses do the job they do because they want to help make a positive different to people’s lives as they work with patients and families to facilitate more optimal health,” she said.

“Nursing roles are certainly challenging, but also immensely satisfying. We meet people at the peaks and troughs of their lives – happy times when patients are recovering well, or growing their families – and worrying times as they deal with health emergencies or times of high stress and uncertainty. It’s a privilege to be able to work with patients and families throughout these lifetime events.

"Nurses feel very humbled. Every Nurse at BCH is truly remarkable and that’s why it’s important for everyone to acknowledge the valued role each and every one of our wonderful Nurses play on International Nurses’ Day.”

Cassie Anagnostou, Graduate Registered Nurse, is working in the Haemodialysis Ward.

“I love caring for people in their most vulnerable state. Each day is different with something new to learn and I love the team that I work with in Haemodialysis,” she said. “We have a small team and we know all the patients well.”

Haemodialysis Ward Nurse Maureen Ordona said being a Nurse gave her the opportunity to enhance a patient’s life.

“Every interaction with my patients is fun and light, and helps to make their day better. I also enjoy celebrating small wins for my patients, like when they say they feel so much better,” she said.

Mahlee O’Donnell is the Clinical Coordinator in the Integrated Care Unit and also a Clinical Nurse Consultant in Wound Care in the High Risk Foot Clinic.

“I love the variety because I have two jobs at Bass Coast Health. With nursing you can always work in different areas,” she said.

David Chun is a Registered Nurse in the Integrated Care Unit and said, “I like helping the community to be able to stay local to receive their treatment and being part of the health system in a positive way.”

Megan Glacken is an Enrolled Nurse in the Sub-Acute Ward that helps to rehabilitate patients after illness or surgery.

“I enjoy watching people progress. They come in here not being able to do a lot for themselves and they end up being able to walk out the door,” she said.

BCH hosts Student Nurses on placement, including Janet Odongo and Nikisha Vanstone from Federation University Australia, of which BCH is an accredited training site.

Janet is studying Nursing to because she wants to help people, while Nikita said, “I spent time in hospital when I was younger and I’ve always wanted to do what the Nurses do.”

Emergency Department Registered Nurse Emma Darling said she never knows what her day will bring.

“Being able to care for the community is nice and I would recommend Nursing as a career. It’s very rewarding,” she said.

Claire Plymin, Registered Nurse with Hospital In The Home team, helps to care for patients largely in their homes. They also come to Wonthaggi Hospital for certain treatments.

“I’ve been a Nurse for 38 years and it’s so rewarding. In this role I’m making such a difference to people’s lives and using a lot of the Nursing skills that I’ve accrued over the years,” she said.

Tess Harland is a Registered Student of Undergraduate Nursing (RUSON) on the Kodowlinun Ward medical and surgical ward. She is working while studying her second year of a Nursing degree at Federation University.

“Being a Nurse is never boring. There are always new challenges and it keeps you on your toes,” she said.

Maria Slater is a Nurse in the Urgent Care Centre at the Phillip Island Health Hub at Cowes.

“I enjoy working with my community to improve access to healthcare in a safe and comfortable environment,” she said.

Patients say

Here’s what patients had to say about our BCH Nurses:

• Peter Membrey, Haemodialysis: “You never have a worry in the world because the nurses are always on the ball.”
• Peter Haartsen, Integrated Care Unit: “I would not be alive without the nurses here. They look after me so well.”
• Valda Jeffers, Sub-Acute: “The nurses are wonderful. They do so much for everybody.”
• Elizabeth Purvis, Emergency Department: “They’re fabulous and we are very fortunate to have such a hospital.”
• Paul Buckley, Kodowlinun Ward: “The nursing care that I’ve received has been excellent, of the highest quality.”

If you’re looking for a rewarding and diverse career path, consider Nursing. The Victorian Government is now offering free Nursing and Midwifery degrees. Go to: www.health.vic.gov.au/nursing-and-midwifery/free-nursing-and-midwifery-study

If you would like to work as a Nurse with us, please email hr@basscoasthealth.org.au You can see our current vacancies on our recruitment website: basscoasthealth.mercury.com.au