Recognising our nurses

In recognition of International Nurses Day, we share just some of the stories that reflect the diverse and invaluable contributions our nurses make across our sites and services.

From hospital to home

Based on-site at 17 hospitals across Melbourne, our District Liaison Nurses play a pivotal role in linking patients with the right support to make the transition back to independent living.

Annetta Pleban (pictured above) is a District Nurse Liaison servicing the Royal Melbourne Hospital’s (RMH) City and Royal Park locations and explains that regaining independence at home after a hospital stay can be difficult, so clear communication is central to the process.

“Being a liaison allows me to assist with hospital discharge planning for people who require extra support,” Annetta said.

“My role involves assessment of new nursing referrals as well as discharge planning for patients. This includes advocating for and educating patients within the hospital about their pending nursing care needs at home. Through these conversations I can connect them with our local at home support teams to ensure their transfer home is seamless and they are receiving appropriate care.

“It can be support for anything from medication management, diabetes and wound care or other types of care that still require nursing support at home,” she said.

Annetta said our expanded capability means patients can tap into a full range of services to suit their needs.

“We can leverage the expertise of our allied health teams, clinical teams, district nurses, clinical nurse consultants, the Clinical Knowledge Centre and Research Institute,” Annetta said.

“Through this combination we can deliver better health outcomes at home with a personalised care plan.”

Working in collaboration with at home support teams and the team at RMH is something Annetta enjoys most about her role.

“Everyone is supportive and available to answer questions. We’re united in our shared passion for ensuring the patient receives the right care for their needs,” Annetta said.

“As nurses in the community it is a privilege to be invited into someone’s home and to care for them. It’s not a responsibility that we take lightly.”

New pathways

When Personal Care Worker Wa Wa Kenny, from Galleon Gardens residential home, applied for last year’s Bolton Clarke Scholarship Program, her motivation was to pursue a career in nursing. Fast forward six months and Wa Wa is on her way to becoming a registered nurse after being awarded the Brigadier William Bolton Scholarship.

“I’m so appreciative of the scholarship as it has helped me to progress my studies with a Bachelor of Nursing. This will allow me to balance my full-time work, while gaining invaluable experience through future study placements,” Wa Wa said.

When it comes to listing her favourite parts of the role, Wa Wa lists the supportive team environment and high standards for resident care.

“I look forward to coming to work every day and consider the Galleon Gardens team as my family and the community as more than a workplace – it’s my second home,” she said.

“I hope to grow my career here by becoming a registered nurse and continuing the deep level of care that the team is known for. We recognise the whole person and their different needs from physical health to emotional and mental wellbeing.”

A dream role

For Mandeep Brar, working as a Clinical Coordinator for RDNS New Zealand (NZ) is a dream come true.

Mandeep first joined RDNS NZ as a support worker in 2015 after arriving from India on a student visa. She had completed her nursing training in India but needed to complete further study to become a registered nurse (RN).

Mandeep headed to the Gold Coast to complete her training, and then returned to New Zealand where she worked as an RN in aged care for two years.

While she enjoyed this role, Mandeep had her heart set on working for RDNS NZ again – so when the opportunity came up to join the North Island Clinical Care team, she was thrilled.

“I really love my work – we have a great team that will hear you and support you at every step,” she said.

Now settled in Auckland with her husband and young son, Mandeep is thoroughly enjoying her new role.

“Every day is different, whether it’s meeting families, doing assessments, following up with support workers or liaising with other organisations,” she said.

“I appreciate the clients I work with and learn from them every day.”

Main image: Annetta Pleban, District Nurse Liaison

Inline image 1: Wa Wa Kenny

Inline image 2: Clinical Coordinator Mandeep Brar (third from right) loves being part of the RDNS NZ Clinical Care team.