Staff Nurse, Waitakere Hospital
Waitemata DHB

I work part time as a staff nurse in the Kare Kare ward and as a clinical assistant at the Education and Practice, Simulation Centre (EPSC) at Waitakere Hospital. I thoroughly enjoy both my roles and find they support each other well.

I trained at Greenlane Hospital in the Auckland School of Nursing from 1984 – 1987. I then worked in the Cardio Thoracic and Respiratory Medical Ward before travelling overseas. On returning to New Zealand, I worked as a practice nurse for five years.
At that stage I had a three year old daughter and a new baby so decided to be a stay at home Mum. Nursing had always been my first love and I was sad that I no longer had an active Practising Certificate. I didn’t actually know that “Return To Practice” programmes existed.

I felt that FAR TOO long had passed since I had worked as a nurse for me to EVER start back up again,

It was now 2007 and 12 years had passed since I was a practice nurse and it was a good 17 years since I worked in a hospital. My husband was supportive and keen for me to pursue my nursing career again and my children were at an age where I could leave them a little more. I applied for the RTP programme at Waitemata District Health Board and was accepted!
To prepare myself I began working as an HCA for the bureau. This was a big help and boost to my confidence. It helped me get back in the rhythm of the hospital. I got to meet people and find my way around. I was able to become familiar with routines, paper work, emergency calls etc without the responsibility of being an RN. When I was on duty I would look at the scenarios unfolding in front of me and consider how I would react to the situation –

I was surprised to discover I actually remembered a lot.

It was TERRIFYING at the beginning of my clinical placement, but I was put on a great ward where I felt well looked after. Everyone was always happy to answer my endless string of questions.

I took baby steps and basically went one day at a time.

The biggest change I noticed was how autonomous nurses are now. You’re left to make decisions and follow up your own patients. The work load is heavier and developing good time management skills is important to care for people without sacrificing safety and patient care.

This was the scariest and possibly the hardest thing I have ever done, but now I have survived and am on the other side I strongly encourage people to take up the challenge. I love my job!

Believe me if I can return to practice then anyone can. Take each day one day at a time and find yourself a good mentor on the ward – someone who enjoys teaching and is happy to work with you. Know what you don’t know and don’t EVER be afraid to say so and seek help. Good Luck!!