On International Nurses Day we recognise the wonderful work of our caring, professional, and compassionate nurses and thank them for their endless dedication to the care of our residents.
Laura Tait is the Clinical Care Coordinator at Kewarra Aged Care and she shares what inspired her to enter nursing and what drives her in her career.
Why did you choose to do nursing as your chosen career and what does it mean to you?
I chose nursing as my career path because I have always enjoyed helping people. What I love about nursing is that it is constantly evolving; there are so many things that you can do in the profession, so you don't have to stick to one specialty.
What do you enjoy most about working as a Clinical Care Coordinator at the home?
I enjoy creating therapeutic relationship with our families and residents. I enjoy seeing our residents’ health improve and us supporting their independence.
What is the most challenging about being a nurse?
I think the most challenging thing, but also one of the most rewarding things about being a nurse, is helping a resident and their family with end-of-life care. I have created a relationship with our residents and our family. It is always hard to say goodbye, but knowing that I have provided an environment that the resident passes pain free and with dignity is very important to me.
What is a special memory you have so far from your nursing career?
I was working in the emergency department around five years ago in the Northern Territory. I had two days in a row treated a three-year-old boy for extreme shortness of breath. I would sit with him and read him stories to settle his breathing down and support him with the oxygen therapy. He was then transferred you ICU for four days management and investigation.
One week post the ICU admission, I was out in community at a playground and this little boy ran up to me and gave me a hug. His parents then came over and we talked about his hospital admission and treatment he received. They expressed their gratitude for my care and advocating for their son when all the doctors said he was fine but I could see he was getting worse. They informed me it took them until day three in ICU to determine a cause and treatment for his shortness of breath. This is why I nurse.