In this week’s instalment of Meet the NUMs, Jayne from our Emergency Department tells us about working in a fast-paced environment and what she would have done if she wasn’t a nurse.
What makes your ward and the patients you care for unique from other wards?
The Emergency Department is unique as we care for a broad range of patients – ranging from newborn to adolescents – who present the majority of the time without a known diagnosis. The role of the Emergency Department team is to investigate and diagnose and ensure the appropriate interventions are commenced as soon as possible. Our ability to plan a day is very difficult as there is no way of predicting of who or what will walk in the door.
Tell us about your RCH journey. When you joined, the roles you’ve held here.
I have worked at the RCH for more years than I am prepared to admit and during this time have had the opportunity to work in many different roles and departments. I have worked as an AUM and care coordinator and acted in the Director of Clinical Operations role. My role as NUM in the Emergency Department is my fifth NUM role, with each of these positions being totally different with their own set of challenges and rewards.
Talk us through what a typical day looks like.
A typical day for me involves touching base with my staff first thing in the morning, attending the huddle for an insight into what the organisational demands are for the day ahead, responding to my e-mails, attend meetings and committees and addressing any issues that are outstanding. Throughout the day I ensure that I am available to support staff, assist with roster management, assist with patient flow and at times fill the role of parent support if our social workers are unavailable or respond to Code Greys to assist in the de-escalation of behaviours of concern. I am also available to staff if they need to discuss anything, whether it be personal or professional.
Today I have been interviewing for new staff. Although not typical, it is a fundamental part of the NUM role that we frequently perform.
What is the most rewarding thing about your current role?
The most rewarding aspect of my current role is the mentorship and support I am able to provide to the staff that I work with. To have the opportunity to influence people to become the best that they can be, deliver the best care that they can, and be passionate about the job they are in, is what makes my job so special.
What is your favourite RCH memory or achievement?
There are far too many memories over the years to name a particular one.
We are honoured with the opportunity to see a child who was critically unwell when they came to us, walk out of the hospital, happy and healthy and on their way home, almost on a daily basis. To me this is what we are here to achieve and are our treasured memories.
In five words, tell us what you love you about your work?
My staff, colleagues, patients and families.
If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and why?
I would have dinner with the same people I have dinner with now – I love the people in my life and we always have a fantastic time.
How do you relax after a long shift?
I walk home and leave the day behind and relax in the evening with my family.
If you weren’t a nurse, what would you be doing instead?
I would love to be a personal shopper 🙂