Charlene Elliott

• Whilst working on medical ward at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital I was offered the opportunity to work in the community as a Registered Nurse for 12months. During this time I enjoyed the work and found that is was extremely rewarding and challenging. Shortly after commencing the position I was successful in gaining a full time permanent position with the Community nursing sector.
• On a daily basis I manage patients care from admission to discharge in the community.
• I consult with GPs, specialists, family caregivers and allied health professionals to discuss patients diagnosis or presenting issue/s to plan patient centred care.
• I provide support and care to patients, their caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis in line with consulting GPs, specialists and allied health professionals.
• During my time as a Community Nurse I have attended various workshops, lectures, demonstrations and study days to keep my professional qualification up to date.
• I continue to support and educate the nursing students from many universities that attend Community Nursing for their placement .
• I work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• I document patients care daily in EMR.
• I respect my colleagues, often seeking their professional recommendations and advice to provide optimum care for my patients.
• I seek feedback from my peers as self reflection and improvement.
• I am self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
• I am an advocate for patients and their wishes.
• I support and guide new nurses in correct techniques, care standards, operational guidelines and safety protocols.
• I advise patients and their caregivers of research based wound and health management, discharge plan goals, safe medication use, and disease management.
• I administer prescribed medication as per protocol and monitor patient responses.

• After completing my postgraduate year at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital I was successful in gaining a full time position on the Medical Ward 3. During that time I became a member of the Nursing Practice Review Committee.
• I completed a preceptorship workshop for nursing students and on a number of occasions precepted university students and university postgraduate nursing students.
• I was on many occasions in charge of the ward on an evening, weekend and night duty shifts.
• I completed an accredited chemotherapy course while working on the ward due to the high level of patients admitted to the ward for their chemotherapy.

In February 1998 I commenced a 12 month postgraduate program at the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital. At the completion of the program in February 1999 I gained experience in the following areas:-

Medical nursing

Surgical nursing

General Operating Theatre

Remote area nursing at Narrandera District Hospital

• In 1993 I commenced full time employment at the Royal Women's Hospital in the Gynecology and Obstetric Theatres. In 1995 my employment status changed to permanent part time in order to complete the Bachelor of nursing degree at QUT, Brisbane.
• I gained experience in anesthetics, scouting and labour ward nursing often being asked to cover these areas in one shift.
• I learnt to work well in a team setting to provide patient centered care.
• I gained skills in managing emergency situations in the operating theatre.

I was employed at Inverell District Hospital for a period of 12 months to complete my enrolled nursing certificate. The theory component of the course was completed at Gunnedah TAFE.

• I was employed under the Australian Traineeship Scheme for a period of 12 months by the Attorney General's Department at the Inverell Local Court. I gained training in all aspects of clerical and court administration.
• During this training I attended Inverell TAFE to complete the theory component of the course.
• I gained valuable office skills, communication and written skills.