Kerrie Wickes
Horsham,VIC
Summary
Results-driven nursing professional with extensive experience across acute, perioperative, aged care, and critical care settings. Proven success as an Associate Nurse Unit Manager, Clinical Teacher, and Registered Nurse, with expertise in clinical leadership, patient safety management, and quality improvement. Adept at coordinating patient care, mentoring and developing nursing teams, and fostering multidisciplinary collaboration to optimise outcomes.
Known for creating positive, supportive work environments that enhance staff morale and professional growth while maintaining high standards of patient-centred care. Skilled in conflict resolution, strategic planning, and resource management, with a strong focus on efficiency and adherence to clinical governance and accreditation standards.
Compassionate and adaptable, with a track record of excelling in high-pressure environments such as operating theatres, ICU, A&E, and aged care. Highly proficient in patient advocacy, evidence-based practice, and workplace safety, consistently delivering safe, effective, and holistic care. Dedicated to continuous improvement and committed to achieving unit objectives through teamwork, communication, and leadership.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Nurse Unit Manager
Grampians Health
Horsham , Victoria
05.2009 - Current
- Directed clinical leadership within Preadmission Clinic, ensuring efficient service delivery through optimized operations.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary care, enhancing surgical readiness by collaborating with surgeons and allied teams.
- Conducted preadmission assessments, reviewing medical history to ensure safe surgical preparation.
- Implemented evidence-based practices, ensuring compliance with quality and accreditation standards.
- Mentored nursing staff, promoting professional development and maintaining high patient care standards.
- Led efficiency initiatives, streamlining preoperative processes and improving interdepartmental communication.
- Managed clinical documentation and incident reporting to uphold patient safety.
- Contributed to strategic planning and resource allocation as second-in-charge of the unit.
operating suite clinical teacher and CNS Relief
Wimmera Health care Group
Horsham , Victoria
05.2005 - 04.2009
- Delivered clinical education and support for perioperative nursing staff, enhancing safe practices within operating suite.
- Developed and facilitated tailored orientation, training, and competency programs for scrub/scout, anaesthetic, and recovery roles.
- Acted as a clinical mentor, providing guidance and feedback to promote evidence-based practice.
- Coordinated education sessions on perioperative procedures, infection control, equipment use, and patient safety.
- Supported workforce planning by managing rostering, allocation, and workload demands during CNS relief periods.
- Assumed CNS responsibilities in absence of permanent role, overseeing staff supervision and patient flow management.
- Championed continuous improvement through participation in audits and clinical governance initiatives.
- Advocated for a positive learning environment to enhance staff retention and professional development.
Associate Nurse Unit Manager
Wimmera Health Care Group
Horsham, Victoria
07.2006 - 11.2006
- Provided clinical leadership and operational management to support Nurse Unit Manager in facility oversight.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary team of nurses and care assistants to deliver high-quality resident-centered care.
- Monitored resident care plans, ensuring individualized support that promoted dignity and wellbeing.
- Managed staff allocation, rostering, and workload distribution to ensure safe staffing levels.
- Facilitated staff development through mentoring, feedback, and training on aged care best practices.
- Oversaw medication management, wound care, and chronic disease management per clinical standards.
- Liaised with residents, families, GPs, and allied health professionals to enhance holistic care planning.
- Contributed to quality improvement initiatives and compliance with accreditation and risk management.
operating suite Nurse
Wimmera Health care Group
Horsham, Victoria
06.1994 - 07.2005
- Delivered safe, evidence-based perioperative nursing care across scrub/scout, anaesthetic, and recovery roles.
- Collaborated with surgeons, anaesthetists, and multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient care during surgeries.
- Ensured patient safety through thorough preoperative assessments and adherence to surgical protocols.
- Prepared and maintained sterile fields while managing surgical instruments to optimize theatre efficiency.
- Monitored patients intraoperatively and postoperatively, responding promptly to clinical changes.
- Provided holistic care and education to patients and families, fostering understanding before and after surgery.
- Participated in team briefings and handovers to ensure effective communication and continuity of care.
- Supported quality improvement initiatives and compliance with hospital policies within the perioperative environment.
Bank work ICU and A/E
Wimmera Health care Group
Horsham , Victoria
01.1992 - 03.1994
- Delivered high-quality, evidence-based care to critically ill patients across ICU and Emergency settings.
- Performed advanced patient assessments and interventions, escalating care in collaboration with medical teams.
- Administered medications, including infusions and emergency drugs, following hospital protocols.
- Triaged and prioritized emergency patients, ensuring timely and safe care delivery.
- Supported airway management and haemodynamic monitoring during critical situations.
- Maintained accurate clinical documentation for seamless continuity of care across shifts.
- Demonstrated resilience and critical thinking in high-pressure environments to enhance patient safety.
- Contributed to team cohesion by collaborating effectively with permanent staff during peak periods.
Graduate Registered Nurse Program
Wimmera Health care Group
Horsham , Victoria
02.1991 - 03.1992
- Successfully completed a structured graduate nurse program, gaining comprehensive experience across multiple clinical areas
- Transitioned from student to autonomous practice, consolidating clinical skills and applying evidence-based knowledge in a supported learning environment.
- Delivered safe, person-centred nursing care including assessments, care planning, medication administration, and evaluation of patient outcomes.
- Participated in professional development sessions, reflective practice, and regular performance reviews to strengthen clinical competence and confidence.
- Developed effective communication and teamwork skills through collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, patients, and families.
- Adapted quickly to new environments, demonstrating resilience, flexibility, and a commitment to continuous learning.
- Contributed to quality care delivery by following hospital policies, clinical guidelines, and National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards.
- Built a strong foundation in time management, prioritisation, and critical thinking to manage varied patient caseloads.
Division 2 nurse
Wimmera Health care Group
Horsham , Victoria
01.1989 - 01.1991
- Delivered high-quality nursing care across a variety of clinical settings as a casual staff member, adapting quickly to different environments, patient groups, and team dynamics.
- Assisted with comprehensive nursing assessments, care planning, and implementation under the supervision of registered nurses.
- Administered medications safely, monitored patient responses, and reported changes in condition to senior staff.
- Supported activities of daily living, wound care, observations, and mobility assistance to promote patient comfort and wellbeing.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, residents, patients, and families to ensure holistic and person-centred care.
- Maintained accurate clinical documentation and adhered to hospital/facility policies, professional standards, and infection control practices.
- Demonstrated flexibility, reliability, and professionalism in meeting the staffing needs of different wards and departments.
- Built strong foundations in teamwork, time management, and clinical skills that supported progression into Registered Nurse practice.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Certificate IV Assessment And Workplace
Certificate IV Assessment And Workplace
Horsham, VIC01-2005
Bachelor of Nursing - Post Registration
Bachelour of Nursing
Ballarat, VIC01-2001
Operating Room Nursing - Core
Southern Cross University
NSW01-1994
Advanced nursing practice operating room nursing -
Southern Cross University
NSW01-1994
Operating Room Nursing - Recovery Room
Southern Cross University
NSW01-1991
Graduate Nurse Program - Nursing
Wimmera Health Care Group
Horsham, VIC01-1991
Diploma of Applied Sciences - Nursing
University of Ballarat
Ballarat, VIC01-1990
Skills
- Clinical leadership
- Evidence-based practice
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Surgical readiness preparation
- Patient safety management
- Quality improvement initiatives
- Critical thinking
- Team building
- Problem solving
- Strategic planning
- Accountability
- Staff management
- Nursing care planning
- Department management
- Staff leadership
- Case management
- Motivational skills
- Medication tracking
- Workload management
- Performance improvement
- Staff supervision
- Patient counseling
- Medical administration
- Clinical expertise
- Medical records management
- Nursing team oversight
- Conflict management
- Policy optimization
- Surgical preadmission
- Licensed RN
- Patient safety monitoring
- Discharge planning
- Patient care
- Inpatient care
- Nursing plan development
- Discharge coordination
- Unit administration
- Policy and procedure compliance
- Treatment Planning
- Direct patient care
- Medical chart management
Timeline
Associate Nurse Unit Manager
Grampians Health
05.2009 - Current
Associate Nurse Unit Manager
Wimmera Health Care Group
07.2006 - 11.2006
operating suite clinical teacher and CNS Relief
Wimmera Health care Group
05.2005 - 04.2009
operating suite Nurse
Wimmera Health care Group
06.1994 - 07.2005
Bank work ICU and A/E
Wimmera Health care Group
01.1992 - 03.1994
Graduate Registered Nurse Program
Wimmera Health care Group
02.1991 - 03.1992
Division 2 nurse
Wimmera Health care Group
01.1989 - 01.1991
Some College (No Degree) - Certificate IV Assessment And Workplace
Certificate IV Assessment And Workplace
Bachelor of Nursing - Post Registration
Bachelour of Nursing
Operating Room Nursing - Core
Southern Cross University
Advanced nursing practice operating room nursing -
Southern Cross University
Operating Room Nursing - Recovery Room
Southern Cross University
Graduate Nurse Program - Nursing
Wimmera Health Care Group
Diploma of Applied Sciences - Nursing
University of Ballarat
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