Alexandra Espig

• Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
• Managed conflict resolution among team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.

My rural placement took place in Barcaldine, QLD which opened my eyes to the world of rural and remote nursing. I was able to work as so many different nurses due to the fact that it was held at a multipurpose health facility containing an emergency department, regular ward for adults and children, GP, medical imaging and aged care. I was able to practice and strengthen many of my clinical skills and thinking. For example I was able to insert an nasogastric tube for the first time, prepare intravenous medication and perform complicated wound care. My collaboration skills were enhanced with my ability to communicate with doctors directly and through collaborating with Queensland Ambulance Services and Queensland Police Services. This facility is paper-based which strengthened my ability to document and fill out forms for patients which assisted me in my later placement.

This placement took place on the Cardiac Ward in the Townsville University Hospital and lasted 8 weeks. This placement taught me about cardiac conditions and monitoring for patients, allowed me to practice pre and post-operative cares and manage drains, pumps and telemetry . I was able to be involved in my first MET call and had a patient die whilst I was giving CPR which taught me how to grieve in a professional setting and how to prioritise self-care while working full time. I was able to sit in for a Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting which assisted in my ability to consolidate and understand pre and post-operative care. My nurse allowed me to plan and run the shifts whilst staying in my scope of practice which enhanced my communication, delegation and time management skills.