Ailish Burrows
North Gosford,NSW
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated Registered Nurse with over 7 years of experience delivering high-quality, patient-centred care in a fast-paced emergency department. Passionate about supporting the health and wellbeing of our diverse Central Coast community through skilled clinical practice, cultural sensitivity, and teamwork. Committed to excellent patient care, patient advocacy, and continuous professional development.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse
Gosford Emergency Department
02.2019 - Current
- Delivered high-quality, patient-centered care in a fast-paced emergency department, managing acute and life-threatening conditions.
- Conducted rapid, accurate triage assessments to categorize patient acuity and ensure appropriate prioritization and allocation of emergency care resources. This is completed by utilising the Australasian Triage Scale (ATS).
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to stabilise critically ill or injured patients.
- Administered medications, IV therapies, blood products, and emergency interventions per protocol.
- Monitored and interpreted vital signs, ECGs, and other diagnostic tests to inform clinical decisions.
- Provided trauma care in accordance with Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) guidelines.
- Assisted medical officers with advanced clinical procedures including intubations, central line insertions, Artline insertions, chest drains and complex wound management, ensuring patient safety and procedural efficiency.
- Maintained accurate and timely documentation in electronic medical records (EMR).
- Educated patients and families on treatment plans, post-discharge care, and health maintenance.
- Ensured compliance with hospital policies, infection control, and safety standards.
- Responded to patients experiencing life threatening situations, demonstrating advanced life support skills.
- Trained and mentored new staff, graduate nurses, and nursing students in emergency nursing practices.
- Led nursing teams in resuscitation bays, coordinating and delegating staff during high-acuity presentations to ensure timely, effective delivery of critical interventions.
- Utilized critical thinking to prioritize and deliver care to multiple emergency patients, adapting swiftly to evolving clinical situations and urgent needs.
Registered Nurse
Rehabilitation Unit, Woy Woy
08.2018 - 01.2019
- Delivered care to 15 adult and geriatric patients within a team of 3 nurses.
- Led shifts, coordinating and supervising AINs and EENs.
- Performed comprehensive nursing assessments (A–G, falls, pressure injury, cognition, withdrawal).
- Identified patients at risk of deterioration, falls, aspiration, pressure injuries, and delirium.
- Developed and implemented safe nursing care plans in collaboration with the Multidisciplinary team.
- Assisted with patient mobility under physiotherapy guidance and ADLs under OT input.
- Participated in family meetings and discharge planning with allied health teams.
- Liaised with families regarding care updates and patient progress.
- Managed diabetes care, including BSLs, insulin, and patient education.
- Prioritised patient care based on clinical acuity and needs.
- Escalated patient deterioration and clarified care plans with medical and allied teams.
- Performed complex and chronic wound care, including dressing selection and care plans.
- Managed and educated patients on stoma care.
- Safely administered medications via IV, IM, S/C, oral, S4 & S8 routes.
- Accurately documented assessments, interventions, and progress notes.
- Supervised and mentored nursing students in clinical practice.
- Completed admission assessments and documentation.
- Used manual handling equipment daily in line with ‘no lift’ policy.
Registered Nurse
Orthopaedics, Gosford
03.2018 - 08.2018
- Provided care to 9 surgical patients in a team nursing model with one other staff member.
- Completed pre-op assessments and care including IVT, skin prep, pain management, and neurovascular checks.
- Delivered post-op care: PCA and pain management, neurovascular and neurological observations, wound and drain care, IVT, IVABs, and IDC monitoring.
- Managed PICC lines, including dressing and line changes.
- Applied and monitored VAC and PICO dressings; performed wound care, suture/staple removal using aseptic technique.
- Administered blood products in accordance with hospital protocols.
- Educated patients and families on procedures (e.g. hip/knee replacements), recovery, and discharge plans.
- Coordinated discharge planning with allied health, doctors, patients, and families.
- Prioritised care based on clinical acuity and surgical recovery progress.
- Managed patients with spinal injuries, following spinal precautions and pressure care protocols.
- Applied orthopaedic devices such as ROM braces, CAM boots, and slings.
- Mobilised post-op patients per physiotherapy plans.
- Initiated clinical reviews and rapid responses for deteriorating patients.
- Managed IV cannulas and VIP scoring per hospital policy.
- Administered and monitored insulin and heparin infusions.
Education
Bachelor of Nursing -
University of Newcastle
01.2017
Graduate Certificate - Critical Care Nursing
Australian College of Nursing
01.2022
Skills
- Exceptional verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build rapport quickly and compassionately
- Strong written communication skills, delivering clear, accurate, and concise documentation and correspondence
- Warm, positive, and approachable personality that contributes to a supportive and positive clinical environment
- Culturally sensitive and skilled in connecting with patients and families from diverse backgrounds
- Confident in clinical decision-making while remaining respectful, humble, and open to collaboration
- Highly organised with excellent time management skills, able to adapt effectively in fast-paced and evolving clinical settings
- Demonstrates initiative and sound judgment in unforeseen or high-pressure situations
- Committed to ongoing professional development and lifelong learning in nursing practice
- Collaborative team player, fostering strong relationships within multidisciplinary healthcare teams
- Receptive to feedback and open to guidance, actively engaging in reflective practice and continuous improvement
- Applies theoretical knowledge to clinical practice through critical thinking, analysis, and effective problem-solving
Certification
- Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (APHRA)
- Graduate certificate in Critical Care Nursing (ACN)
- Nurses and Midwives Association Australia
- First Aid certificate
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Gosford Emergency Department
02.2019 - Current
Registered Nurse
Rehabilitation Unit, Woy Woy
08.2018 - 01.2019
Registered Nurse
Orthopaedics, Gosford
03.2018 - 08.2018
Graduate Certificate - Critical Care Nursing
Australian College of Nursing
Bachelor of Nursing -
University of Newcastle