Evie Caldow

As part of this graduate program, I have had the opportunity to do 2 x 6 months rotations across the service.

Rotation 1: Community Rehabilitation Facility (Sub-acute/Chronic Residential Facility), Belmont- Feb- Aug 2025

Rotation 2: Swanston Centre (Adult Acute Unit), Geelong- Aug- Current

Key responsibilities:

• Medication administration and management
• Built solid foundation in risk assessments and mental state examinations (MSEs)
• Intake and clinical assessments
• 1:1 consumer support and recovery facilitation
• Care planning and goal setting
• Complex Discharge planning
• Multidisciplinary team (MDT) collaboration
• Promoting consumer independence
• Supporting consumers at community appointments
• Working with acutely unwell consumers in a high-pressure environment
• Management of consumers in withdrawal
• De-escalation techniques
• Application of physical health skills: full physical assessments, ECGs, diabetes management, vital signs, and wound care
• Active involvement in seclusion and restrictive practices in line with policy and safety standards
• Implementation of Safe wards model to reduce conflict, promote safety, and support therapeutic engagement
• Safety Planning

Key Responsibilities:

• ADL support: hoisting, showering, dressing, feeding, incontinence, stoma/catheter care, medication administration
• Care for clients with complex medical and mental health needs
• Meal preparation, housekeeping, and overnight care
• Supported community access and independence
• Communicated effectively with clients, families, and care teams

I have gained clinical experience in nursing through 800 hours of placement across multiple sites in Victoria in a vast number of areas giving me a strong foundation in nursing.

Placements:

• Aged care (2 weeks) in Rainbow
• Medical Ward (4 South) (4 weeks) at Ballarat Base Hospital
• Gandarra Palliative Care unit (4 weeks) in Ballarat
• Adult Community Mental Health (2 weeks) in Ararat
• Adult Acute Unit (2 weeks) in Ballarat
• Theatre/ Perioperative (6 weeks) in Ararat