Debbie Simmons
Summary
Dedicated and patient-focused Registered Nurse with many years of diverse experience in small rural hospitals and large metropolitan facilities, including Werris Creek and Brisbane. Expertise includes roles as a Registered Midwife and Immuniser, along with experience as a Drug & Alcohol Clinical Nurse and Transition Care Clinical Nurse, demonstrating a strong commitment to collaborative, multidisciplinary care. Proven ability to formulate holistic care plans that address the unique needs of consumers, ensuring optimal health outcomes. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Nursing to enhance contemporary evidence-based nursing practices.
Dedicated and compassionate nurse with proven ability to provide patient care in fast-paced environment. Calm and level-headed when handling high-stress situations. Uses strong communication skills and humour to develop professional relationships with patients and families.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Acting Clinical Nurse & Registered Nurse
Sarina Hospital Emergency Dept
10.2021 - Current
- Emergency Department working with SMO, RMO and PHO’s for patients presenting via QAS, QPS and Walkins.
- IV Canulation, Phlebotomy, Triage, ASL and Peads ALS
- Dressing Clinic and Telehealth
Clinical Nurse & RN
Medical F2 Mackay Base Hospital
06.2018 - 01.2021
- Team Leader of 30 bed acute medical ward on all shifts, Including Night shift. Accountable for all staff and patients on those shifts.
- Learning Facilitator for the Post-graduate RN’s. Resource person for the use of the medical equipment and policy & procedures of the MBH.
- Proficient using ieMR, MAR, Care Compass, Alaris Pumps, Airvo High Flow, EDIS, NIKKI Pumps.
- Proficient with Heparin Infusions, Frusemide Infusions, Blood product administration and power plans on ieMR
- Hand Hygiene Auditor and full awareness of infection control relating to airborne, droplet and contact precautions.
- Medication Safety Standard Portfolio for Med F2
- ICC management, Venipuncture, PICC access & management.
- Excel at managing the deteriorating patient, know the early warning signs.
- Conducted death reviews and relayed to staff the importance of documentation.
- Conducted Inservice for nursing staff that is current to the ward eg Brugada syndrome
- Co-ordinating discharge of patients with multidisciplinary approach eg CHEC services, MO, Pharmacist, Social Worker, Public Guardian and NDIS.
- Palliative care, Care of the Dying Pathway, NIKKI pumps, Symptom management, supporting family.
Learning Advisor
CQU
03.2016 - 01.2018
- Assisting & mentoring ASTI Nursing students via phone, email, Skype and face-to-face.
Pathology Courier
S and N
02.2012 - 02.2016
- Oversaw timely delivery of pathology specimens, aligning with safety and quality protocols. Managed courier operations to uphold confidentiality and meticulous care.
- Also at this time I facilitated mobility and daily living tasks for a parent with disabilities, promoting independence and dignity.
Clinical Nurse
Transition Care Program Mackay
10.2009 - 01.2012
- First Clinical Nurse in the evolving role.
- Working very closely on daily basis with the multi-disciplinary team to formulate individual care plans for consumers to meet their goals.
- Attending conferences to advocate the Transition Care Program, in my own time, on weekends.
Clinical Nurse
Mackay Residential Drug & Alcohol Treatment Service (MRDATS) Oz Care
07.2004 - 09.2009
- Delivered comprehensive patient assessments to inform care planning and treatment decisions.
- Established and executed education sessions to residents, to engage in healthy lifestyles.
- Confidentiality of resident’s details.
- Monitor residents physical and mental health wellbeing.
Education
University of Southern Queensland
Toowoomba, QLDMidwifery -
Mater Mothers Hospital
Brisbane, QLDGeneral Nursing Certificate -
Princess Alexandra Hospital
Brisbane, QLDSkills
- Emergency Nursing
- Medical Nursing
- Drug and Alcohol Nursing
- Post- Graduate Facilitator
- Palliative Care
- Immunisation Endorsed
- ISTAT Operator, Point of Care Testing
- IEMR, iPharmacy, EDIS
- Staff Rosters using Trendcare
- Phlebotomy
- Infection control
- Medication administration
- Clinical judgment
- Team supervision
- Health promotion
- Triage
- Critical thinking
- Coaching and mentoring
- Staff management
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Discharge planning
- In-service training
Affiliations
- ARNA (Australian Rehabilitation Nurses Assoc) (mem # 1941)
- Palliative Care QLD Inc (mem # 703601)
- Qld Wound Care Association Inc
- Diabetes Australia (mem # 156482 HP)
- Australian Nursing Federation
- Qld Nurses Union (mem # 1047375)
Certification
- Master of Clinical Nursing – ongoing
- TRIAGE workbook completed Feb 2021
- Hand Audit Training – Hand Auditor 2019 to present
- Communication and Patient Safety (CAPS) 2018
- VAC therapy skills training 2018
- Adult & Paediatric OPTIFLOW seminar 2018
- Paediatric Advanced Life Support Feb 2026
- Advanced Life Support December 2025
- Induction Learning Module 1 Big Picture: Alcohol and Other Drugs June 2017
Timeline
Acting Clinical Nurse & Registered Nurse
Sarina Hospital Emergency Dept
10.2021 - Current
Clinical Nurse & RN
Medical F2 Mackay Base Hospital
06.2018 - 01.2021
Learning Advisor
CQU
03.2016 - 01.2018
Pathology Courier
S and N
02.2012 - 02.2016
Clinical Nurse
Transition Care Program Mackay
10.2009 - 01.2012
Clinical Nurse
Mackay Residential Drug & Alcohol Treatment Service (MRDATS) Oz Care
07.2004 - 09.2009
University of Southern Queensland
Midwifery -
Mater Mothers Hospital
General Nursing Certificate -
Princess Alexandra Hospital
Volunteer Positions
Sarina State School P & C Association (past position of Treasurer, Vice-President & Secretary)