Rising to the challenge
We can all agree that life can throw us some curve balls. St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne Emergency nurse, Fiona, knows that more than most. An avid motorcyclist, Fiona’s life changed in an instant when she was involved in a serious accident a few years ago.
After enduring seven painful surgeries, months of rehab and a hit to her finances, Fiona has risen above this adversity to realise her dream of doing a post grad degree.
Fiona’s past experiences have built up a strength and resilience that has seen her quickly embrace the challenges of balancing work and study. She is immersing herself in the work; spending hours reading, doing lectures, assignments and quizzes.
“There’s no doubt it’s been an adjustment to work and study. I’m just so lucky to have other colleagues doing the same study. It means we can lean on each other and help each other when we need it.”
Donate to the nursing scholarships today
Clearly a capable and intelligent nurse, Fiona has been given the opportunity to work in the most challenging area of the Emergency Department (ED), the resus bay. This area is dedicated to the assessment, resuscitation and treatment of patients with critical conditions.
An avid puzzler, Fiona is savouring the chance to put her analytical skills to the test in the resus bay. “I’ve had to step up to do more procedures and learn a new way of approaching every situation. When you’re faced with a critically unwell patient, you need to look at every aspect to diagnose and pre-empt what could happen to prevent that person from potentially crashing.”
Having someone’s life in your hands can be a daunting experience but Fiona says help is always at hand if she needs it. “St Vincent’s is a really great teaching hospital. The work is intensive but that means we get better at our jobs faster. The educators work hand in hand with us. Even the doctors teach the nurses. You’re never alone, that’s the best feeling!
“I’m very thankful for the scholarship program. I honestly don’t know how to thank the wonderful people who have made this scholarship possible. I do know that anyone who receives a scholarship will be forever grateful.”
