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Nurse Profile - Kate Smith |
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 Kate
Smith, RN,
Perioperative Nursing
Grad.Dip.
In 2001 I completed my
University training and was a very
excited graduate entering the workforce as a Division One registered
nurse. For my graduate year I was looking for a range of experience and
variety, and had a particular interest in working in the clinical area
of neonates. The Royal Women's Hospital was my preferred
place to complete my graduate year and I felt extremely privileged to
obtain a position for the 2002 Graduate Program.
As requested I spent six months of the program working in the
neonatal unit.
My time in neonates was a good experience however it was not exactly
the path I had envisaged taking in my nursing career. The remaining six
months of my graduate year was spent working in the Operating
Suite.;
My initial thought was that theatre would be a good experience and to
see and experience new challenges, however it developed into far more
than this.
The six month placement was the most fabulous
and rewarding
experience for me. It became very evident that perioperative
nursing was an area in which I had a particular passion and desire to
expand my knowledge and skills.
Following my graduate year I made the decision to follow my
ambitions and aspirations for perioperative nursing. To
achieve this I completed my Graduate Diploma in Perioperative
Nursing. I
gained so much from completing the course and could highly recommend it
to anyone.;
The course allowed me to develop my skills and knowledge in the field
and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
I continued to work in the Operating Suite at the Royal
Women's Hospital following the Graduate Diploma and knew that I could
not be in a more enjoyable field of nursing. In a short time
I became a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Operating Suite.
I
was able to share my skills and knowledge with colleagues and also
preceptor new and graduate nursing staff. Late last
year I was very fortunate to be successful with my application for the
position as Associate Unit Manager of Anaesthetics and PACU.
I must say that this position is my ideal position in nursing. I
am still quite young however I believe I have been positively
influenced by many role models and have been given so many
opportunities that I believe I can successfully perform my duties, both
managerial and clinical, at this level. I have an opportunity
to work in various roles in the theatre complex. Each day
is different; I am continually faced with challenges and new
experiences impacting on the workload. I feel
valued in the workplace and am considered an active member of the
team.
At the Royal Women's the
Operating Suite is a welcoming
environment. The ability to work as a
valued team member certainly gives purpose to my position.
Within the
perioperative arena situations also arise where I function as an
autonomous clinician.A myth certainly exists that
perioperative nurses have very little contact with the patients, having
worked as a scrub scout nurse, an anaesthetic nurse, a recovery nurse
and a day surgery nurse I can certainly say that I have a great deal of
contact with patients.
I am so
fortunate to be working in a position which I enjoy so very
much. The work is interesting, varied and challenging; my
colleagues are compassionate and friendly.My role within the
team continually changes. Most importantly I feel the
patients in my care value and appreciate the care I give them. I wish
all nurses could have the opportunity to experience what it is to be a
perioperative nurse. |
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