Heather Leahy

My name is Heather Leahy a final year nursing student who is applying for a nursing position at your health care facility. I am confident that a combination of my six years experience in retail and hospitality alongside my clinical placements at various hospitals has equipped me with the appropriate skillsets such as interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills that would be a beneficial asset to the healthcare team.

Cairns Base Hospital

Transitional Procedural Unit

12/02/2024-27/03/2024 (240 Hours)

· Observed and collected knowledge from healthcare experts in a practical situation through participating with basic nursing tasks. Nursing tasks included: assisting patients with daily activities, independently conducting nursing assessments such as vital signs, neurological assessments, patient admissions history, discharge information and diabetes care. All whilst staying within my scope of practice and reporting any deviations to designated RN.

· Demonstrates skills in health education to enable people to make decisions and take action about their health. Specifically, creating pamphlets and educational brochures on diabetes care, wound management and medication knowledge for patient discharge information. Sourced and critically evaluated relevant literature and research evidence to ensure information was accurate and supported that was checked by clinical nurse.

· Assisted with cleaning and dressing a wide range of wounds under direct supervision of a registered nurse such as: minor scrapes and lacerations, diabetic foot ulcers, periondial abscesses, surgical wounds, melanoma skin wounds and de-gloving wounds . Utilised nursing knowledge to assess the wounds and form a care plan on treatment whilst considering underlying conditions that might impact wound healing and educating the patient about their condition.

· Completed training modules to make informed decisions about chronic conditions and utilised this knowledge to conduct nursing assessments on patients prior to giving medications. Routes of administration included: Oral, Sublingual, Bucccal, Subcutaneous and Intramuscular Injections, Intravenous and Ocular.

· Preparation and priming of IV pumps and medications for the following: Intravenous Immunoglobulin, Blood products (Iron, Platelets, Red Blood Cells, Plasma and Cryoprecipitated AHF) and Depot Injections.

· Conducted nursing assessments following administration of Blood Products, IVIG, Depot Injections and therapeutic medications. As per CHHS protocol. Any deviations from patient baseline where immediately reported to RN and documented appropriately.

· Observed and participated in four MET Calls during my time as a student. Under direct supervision of my registered nurse. Duties included taking vitals signs and patient assessment.

Icon Cancer Care Cairns

08/11/2021 - 28/11/2021 (120 Hours)

· Observed and collected knowledge from healthcare experts in a practical situation through participating with basic nursing tasks such as taking vital signs independently, and assisting my nurse with daily activities and nursing assessments.

· Communicated with Cancer Care Team Oncologist and Radiologist to collaborate for ongoing patient care in both verbal and non-verbal methods ( via email and zoom meetings) in order to gain full descriptions and instructions on patient management and care.

· Assisted RN in formulating specialised patient care plans, specified to each patient's needs around their cancer diagnosis.

· Assisted, and also led patient education sessions regarding cancer care management.

· Documented patient findings, and utilised a variety of assistive technologies.

Cairns Base Hospital

Respiratory and Renal Ward

10/05/2021 - 30/05/2021 (120 Hours)

· Observed and collected knowledge from healthcare experts in a practical situation through participating with basic nursing tasks such as taking vital signs independently, and assisting my nurse with daily activities and nursing assessments.

· Organised the daily planner under direct supervision of my nurse. Taking into account ongoing investigations, routine assessments as well as incorporating specific and personalised diagnostic testing times for patients.

· Prepared and administered patient medications under direct supervision of a registered nurse through various routes such as subcutaneous, sublingual, intramuscular, intravenous, buccal and optical routes.

· Effectively cooperating and communicating with staff members, nurses, and other aspects of the multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality patient care that is catered to the individual needs of patients. Such as liasoning with nutritionists and social workers about patient behaviours and trends.

· Assisted with a range of simple procedures under direct supervision of a registered nurse such as Paracentesis (tap insertion) as well as female catheter insertion.

· Researched and compiled with hospital policies regarding routine assessments such as blood works policies, delirium assessments and infection control policies.

· Complied with Covid-19 protocols and guidelines, as well as caring for multiple patients positive with Covid-19.

· Observed and participated in three MET Calls during my time as a student. Under direct supervision of my registered nurse who was a team leader at the time of two MET Calls.

Townsville University Hospital

Sub-Acute Care Unit

7/12/2020 - 20/12/2020 (80 Hours) 

· Observed and collected knowledge from healthcare experts in a practical situation through participating with basic nursing tasks such as taking vital signs and assisting with daily activities.

· Communicate with patients under supervision, and shadow experienced practitioners during routine nursing assessments.

· Develop a compassionate and empathetic approach towards patients, acknowledging their concerns, and treating them with dignity and respect.

• Certificate of Recognition: For demonstrating CHHS values (2024)

• First Aid Certificate, 2024
• CPR Certificate, 2024
• Two Doses of Pfizer vaccine, 05/2021

• Indy Earl, Second Assistant Manager at Cairns KFC, 0409599639
• Phoebe Williams, Shift Supervisor at Earlville KFC, 0455553671