Acacia Rigby

Compassionate and motivated individual with a strong foundation in evidence-based clinical care, patient advocacy, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Proven ability to perform comprehensive assessments, assist with complex procedures, and support patients across diverse populations with professionalism and empathy. Recognized for excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to patient safety and ethical nursing practice. Eager to contribute to a team where I can further develop my clinical skills, critical thinking, and commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred care. Dedicated to continuous learning and professional development, with a strong desire to stay current with best practices, emerging research, and evolving healthcare technologies to provide the highest standard of nursing care.

• Academic excellence award: 2019 (Subject: Music, English, Biology)
• Student council: 2019
• Perfect attendance award: (2018, 2019, 2020)
• House Captain: 2015

• Tafe QLD: Certificate II and III in Health Services
• CPR and AED
• First AID Certificate
• Infection Control Training
• Mental Health First AID (To be completed June 2025)

May 2020 - June 2020

• Estia Health

October 2023 - November 2023

• Ozcare De Paul Villa

- Assisted with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Supported residents with personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, toileting, feeding, and mobility while maintaining their dignity and independence.

- Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Participated in identifying falls risks and implementing strategies such as mobility aids, environment checks, and supervision.

- Infection Control: Applied hand hygiene, PPE use, and environmental cleaning protocols to prevent transmission of infections.

- Pressure Area Care: Supported repositioning of residents, applied preventative devices (e.g., cushions, mattresses), and documented skin assessments.

- Vital Signs Monitoring: Regularly measured and recorded blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, and oxygen saturation using manual and electronic equipment.

April 2024 

• Gold Coast Private Hospital: Orthopaedic Surgery

- Post-operative Observations: Monitored and recorded vital signs, neurovascular observations (e.g., limb colour, sensation, movement, capillary refill), and pain scores at regular intervals as per post-op protocols.

- Accurate and Legible Documentation: Maintained thorough and timely entries in progress notes, observation charts, medication charts (under RN supervision), and neurovascular observation charts.

- Care Planning: Contributed to updating nursing care plans and fluid balance charts based on the patient's surgical recovery and mobility status.

- Handover Preparation: Prepared for and participated in verbal shift handovers by reviewing and organizing patient charts and contributing relevant observations.

- Aseptic Technique: Observed and assisted with sterile procedures, such as dressing changes and catheter insertions, using aseptic technique.

August 2024

• Gold Coast University Hospital: C1 East: Cancer and Oncology Integrated Procedures Unit

- Chemotherapy Awareness and Safety: Observed the administration of chemotherapy and gained foundational knowledge of cytotoxic precautions, side effects (e.g., nausea, fatigue), and patient monitoring needs.

- Palliative and End-of-Life Care Exposure: Participated in care for patients receiving palliative treatment, providing emotional support and maintaining comfort through ADL assistance, mouth care, and repositioning.

- Integrated Electronic Medical Record: Accurately entered and reviewed patient data using ieMR, including clinical notes, medication charts, and vital sign observations, under supervision.

September 2024

• Gold Coast University Hospital: F Block - G - Pandanus - Acute Adult

- Mental Health Assessments: Observed and contributed to mental status examinations (MSE), risk assessments, and daily observations under supervision.

- De-escalation and Crisis Response: Applied de-escalation strategies and maintained a calm, supportive presence during behavioural escalations or distressing events.

- CIMHA: Gained proficiency in using CIMHA to document mental health assessments, progress notes, and risk management plans under the supervision of registered mental health nurses.

- Emotional Resilience and Self-Awareness: Learned to reflect on emotional responses and manage personal wellbeing while supporting people in crisis or distress.

March 2025

• Gold Coast University Hospital: D1 Specialised Outpatient Services

- Vital Signs and Pre-Procedure Assessments: Took baseline observations (BP, temp, SpO₂, HR) and assisted with pre-admission screening for minor procedures and consults.

- Wound Care and Dressing Changes: Observed or assisted with scheduled wound reviews, including removal of sutures or clips, under supervision.

- ECG Monitoring: Performed or observed 12-lead ECGs and documented findings appropriately

April 2025 

• Gold Coast University Hospital: B LG South: Medical Decision Unit

- Intravenous (IV) Therapy: Assisted in the initiation and management of IV fluids, ensuring proper flow rates and monitoring for complications like infiltration or phlebitis.

- Monitoring and Documentation: Monitored patients’ vital signs, fluid balance, and overall condition during treatment sessions, documenting everything accurately in ieMR.

- Patient Education: Educated patients on post-treatment care, including possible side effects, pain management strategies, and follow-up appointments.

- Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration: Worked closely with medical teams, including doctors, pharmacists, and allied health professionals, to ensure coordinated patient care.