Mark works mainly with orthopaedic patients in the operating suite. His role is to assist with surgeries in theatre.<\/p>\n “In orthopaedics, we often care for patients\u00a0with musculoskeletal conditions, who require surgery on their spine or hips, as well trauma patients,” Mark said.<\/p>\n Mark’s role in theatre is to be a ‘scrub’ and ‘scout’ nurse. A scrub nurse is required to ‘scrub in’ to enter the theatre completely sterile, and provide the right instruments to the surgeon when required. It’s also the\u00a0scrub nurse’s job to ensure all instruments remain sterile throughout the surgery. In his role as a scout nurse, Mark assists in\u00a0running the theatre, helping the surgeons and theatre technicians with making sure the surgery runs smoothly.<\/p>\n Mark enjoys the diversity in the patients he meets, and the long-term benefits\u00a0he sees\u00a0for those\u00a0who undergo surgery.<\/p>\n “It’s great to know that the work we do has really positive effects on our patients in the long run,” Mark said.<\/p>\n Mark began his nursing career caring for patients on a ward. After pursuing a career change, he has been working in the Operating Suite for eight years.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Angela Dewitte – Registered Nurse, Kookaburra<\/strong><\/p>\n Angela is a part of the nursing team on Kookaburra, the RCH’s cancer care ward. Some of the patients Angela cares for might be in for a short visit\u00a0having chemotherapy, or could be having a procedure, such as a bone marrow transplant.<\/p>\n Sally says there’s really no such thing as an ‘average day’ in her job.<\/p>\n “Every day is very different. Depending on patient needs, I might be looking after just one patient, or I might be looking after four or five,” Angela\u00a0said.<\/p>\n Angela explained that, generally, caring for patients usually includes things like giving medication, feeding, administering chemotherapy, changing dressings and taking observations frequently. However, depending on their condition and needs, this is different for each patient.<\/p>\n “The reasons why our patients have come to stay in hospital vary; some patients are at risk of infection because their white blood cell count is low and we need to monitor them carefully. Other children are having chemotherapy and need to stay in hospital while receiving treatment,” Angela said.<\/p>\n What Angela loves most, and finds most interesting, about her job are the patients she cares for each day.<\/p>\n “I get to work with fantastic kids and families. Ultimately, the best part is helping to make them feel better and put smiles on faces,” Angela said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"Mark](\"https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/news\/files\/2014\/05\/Mark-Justice-Theatres-Nurses-Day-May-2014-180x280.jpg\")
<\/a>![\"Angela](\"https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/news\/files\/2014\/05\/Angela-Dewitte-Kookaburra-Nurses-Blog-May-2014-177x280.jpg\")
<\/a>
![\"Sally](\"https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/news\/files\/2014\/05\/Sally-Lima-Research-Nurses-Day-May-2014-186x280.jpg\")
<\/a>