In this week’s instalment of Meet our NUMs, we chat to Michelle from Platypus! Michelle tells us what she loves most about her job and how an AFL legend would be on the top of her list to have dinner with.
What makes your ward and the patients you care for different from other wards?
Platypus is a great ward, where the multidisciplinary team works closely together to improve outcomes for the surgical patient. We are a 30-bed speciality surgical unit, with a mixture of General surgery, Trauma, Burns, Orthopaedics, Plastics and Maxillofacial and Urology. We care for patients aged newborn to teenagers.
Tell us about your RCH journey. When you joined, the roles you’ve held here.
I started as a graduate nurse in the old hospital on the neurosciences unit. I became a Clinical Nurse Specialist and Associate Nurse Unit Manager on the neurosciences unit before covering the Clinical Nurse Consultant – Intrathecal Baclofen pump and disability role. I went back to the neurosciences unit and transitioned across to the new hospital on Cockatoo. I have covered the after-hours hospital manager role before working on Koala, Cockatoo and now Platypus as NUM.
Talk us through what a typical day looks like for you.
Every day is different. I meet with the ANUM, nurse co-ordinators and multidisciplinary team in the morning to discuss the day ahead. We focus on patient flow and identify those patients requiring discharge and planning for those who will be discharged in the coming days. I attend various meetings across the day whilst ensuring the operational needs of the ward are met.
What is the most rewarding thing about your current role?
Working with incredible professionals who are all working towards a common goal to ensure excellent care for our patients and their families.
What is your favourite RCH memory or achievement?
I have lots of great memories of RCH. Watching the journey of the patients. From the time the child is admitted and to when they are discharged, watching what a positive impact our care can have on a child and their health.
In five words, tell us what you love you about your work?
Working with amazing health professionals!
If you could only take three things with you to a desert island, what would they be?
Chocolate, a good book and sunglasses
If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and why?
Jimmy Stynes. An inspirational man who did amazing work with youth, as well as being a Melbourne Football Club Legend.
How do you relax after a long shift?
Spending time with my family.