Kate Kwast
Port Macquarie,NSW
Summary
Dedicated Registered Nurse specialised in the area of Mental Health Nursing. I have worked as a casual for over 10 years in the acute inpatient mental health setting, providing care that is recovery-oriented and strengths-based. I have also worked in many different areas of Mental Health Nursing including gaining employment within the private sector and currently based in the community setting, working in the Acute Care Services team. I am seeking a new opportunity to expand my knowledge and work within Justice Health. I am currently enrolled in the grad cert. for Mental Health Nursing (with the University of Victoria) and plan to continue study with my masters.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse
NSW Health
Port Macquarie, NSW
10.2023 - Current
- I am currently employed with NSW Health and working in the Acute Care Services team.
- Providing case management services including referrals to community programs and agencies for community based clients.
- Conduct ongoing MSE/Risk assessments assessments of clients to determine mental health needs and develop treatment plans accordingly.
- Actively develop crisis intervention strategies for emergency situations.
- Observe, document and report on clinically-significant changes in clients' conditions.
Registered Nurse - Mental Health
Ramsay Health Care
Southport , QLD
02.2021 - Current
- Currently employed with Ramsay Health as a Registered Nurse. Working on a casual basis
- Ramsay mental health offers inpatient programs for youths 16 & over, and adults requiring treatment for mood, anxiety, personality disorders and alcohol dependency.
- Neurostimulation services and a comprehensive range of day and community programs are also on offer for patients.
- I have been trained in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation by the Blackdog Institute and worked in post ECT recovery
Registered Nurse- Mental Health Acute Inpatient
NSW Health, Port Macquarie Base Hospital
Port Macquarie, NSW
02.2012 - 11.2021
- Port Macquarie Mental Health Inpatient unit (Ward 1A) is a twelve bed declared mental health in-patient unit that has the capability to segregate four acute beds to support the care of patients who have different care and observation needs.
- My role as the registered nurse was to work with mental health patients ranging in age from 16yrs- upwards
- To monitor everchanging risk/escalation in patient behavior, and to promote safety at all times
- To conduct comprehensive MSE/Risk assessments
- To implement evidence-based and best practice problem-solving interventions to establish protective measures for suicide prevention and self-harm.
- To engage in patient centered partnerships and develop goals with patients aimed at recovery and relapse prevention
Company Director
J & K Tiling
Port Macquarie, NSW
01.2000 - 02.2021
- A family tiling business where as Company Director I was in charge of all bookkeeping and payroll requirements
- Managing up to 10 employees using MYOB software
- Liaising with apprenticeship, schools and training organizations for the sign up and ongoing support of new apprentices
- Accounts management
- TAX preparation and lodgement
- Managed staff, financials and key performance indicators to facilitate business operations.
- Cultivated and maintained relationships to promote positive work culture.
- Partnered with staff to create professional development plans to support personal and business growth.
- Implemented and prepared comprehensive business plans to expand business.
- Oversaw new employee hiring and onboarding procedures, developing guidelines, designing standard interviews and participating in selection and training of new hires.
Education
Bachelor of Nursing
University of Newcastle
Port Macquarie Campus02.2012
Acute Care Nursing Refresher
Royal College of Nursing
2020
Diploma of Counselling, Partial completion
Australian College Applied Psychology
Byron BayTranscranial Magnetic Stimulation Training
The Black Dog Institute
Skills
- Ability to develop & maintain rapport with clients while closely monitoring change in patient behaviors
- Ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure, especially when de escalation of situations is required
- Strong written & verbal communication skills and the ability to work well within a team environment
- Ability to respect and work in partnership with people from cultural & linguistically diverse backgrounds
- Ability to adapt to an everchanging environment while keeping in mind OH&S standards
- Ability to provide mentorship to students
- Ability to advocate for patients and understand the importance of lived experience
- Ability to remain confidential and listen with empathy during assessment of clients
- Ability to remain calm, steady and fully present despite often challenging situations
Referees:
Shanae FLETCHER
Clinical Nurse Specialist. NUM
Port Macquarie Base Hospital
Email: Shanae.Fletcher@health.nsw.gov.au
Mob: 0421834631
Valerie BAILEY
NUM @ Ramsay Clinic
Email: BaileyV1@ramsayhealth.com.au
Mob: 0449194930
Shannon ROBINSON
Hospital Coordinator
Email: RobinsonShannon@ramsayhealth.com.au
Mob: 0403529139
Volunteer work
Previously participated in the homeless showering project. Volunteer for the Byron Bay Community Centre
Timeline
Registered Nurse
NSW Health
10.2023 - Current
Registered Nurse - Mental Health
Ramsay Health Care
02.2021 - Current
Registered Nurse- Mental Health Acute Inpatient
NSW Health, Port Macquarie Base Hospital
02.2012 - 11.2021
Company Director
J & K Tiling
01.2000 - 02.2021
Bachelor of Nursing
University of Newcastle
Acute Care Nursing Refresher
Royal College of Nursing
Diploma of Counselling, Partial completion
Australian College Applied Psychology
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Training
The Black Dog Institute
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