Liam Cloghan
Swan View,WA
Summary
Career Summary Caring and dedicated Registered Nurse (RN) with extensive experience in mental health, Aged and community care. Through this I have developed strong communication, assessment, planning and treatment implementation skills utilised over a variety of settings. Devoted, ethical healthcare provider with proven ability to stay calm and assist/direct during crises, facilitate groups and educational seminars, collaborate on multidisciplinary teams and with external service providers. Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with patients, family/friends, physicians and all levels of fellow medical professionals. As a father of 5 (ages 9-16) my wife and I have been used to swapping roles as required over the past few years. When my father developed a brain tumour in 2018, the resulting surgery left him legally blind. It was then that I resigned from my previous role at Aegis and took the time to assist in his transition and care. Luckily, my dad adjusted very well, and I was able to take the time to also complete a post-grad cert at ECU in Mental Health provision. It is a desire of mine to again work in mental health services one day, but also to incorporate these techniques in all aspects of my care provision. During these years, my wife also began and complete culinary school and has become a fine dinning chef, currently she has found a comfortable part time position and I have found that with the children all in mid to late schooling I have an excess of time on my hands. It is due to this that I am currently looking to re-enter the nursing workforce after my brief hiatus as an at home dad.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Enrolled Nurse
Swan Valley Centre, Mental Health
01.2004 - 01.2009
- Swan Valley Centre (SVC) was a 25-bed adult mental health unit for acute treatment both voluntary and involuntary with 7 of those beds within a locked unit setting
- During my time here I was required to make safety and mental health assessments multiple times per shift
- Primarily using the Mini Mental Health Assessment (MMHA) to assess new and existing clients, to develop/modify treatment planning or objectives for each client and responding to acute needs
- When a violent or threatening situation would occur, I was frequently involved in the de-escalation and resolution to the crisis
- If not, I would be ensuring the safety of the other staff and clients in a calm and respectful manner.
Staff Development Nurse
Adult Mental Health Staff Development Services, Swan Kalamunda Health Service
01.2010 - 01.2010
- During my time in Elderly services, I was given further opportunity to develop and utilise my skills and techniques in the training and education of other health department staff, by being given a short secondment to Staff Development for adult mental health
- Development and updating of educational materials
- Extensive Microsoft office use- Word, Excel and Power Point
- Educational presentations to staff and external service providers
- Management of Nursing students- Placement and development monitoring and assistance
- Data collection and analysis.
Registered Nurse
Elderly Mental Health Unit, Swan Kalamunda Health Service
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Upon completion of my RN degree, I transferred from adult to elderly mental health services (EMHS), EMHS consisted of a 16-bed locked unit for voluntary and involuntary patients 65years and over primarily dealing with dementia and chronic mental illness
- In this setting I was further able to develop my assessment techniques as this cliental required extensive medical monitoring/treatment in addition to their mental health needs
- As an RN with EMHS I was acting in both an “on the floor” and coordinator capacity, depending on the staffing requirement
- Shift coordination primarily after hours- Strong decision making and leadership skills
- Increased skills in multiple assessment styles- MMHA, Cognitive scale, mobility, continence, general health- Assessment/Planning/Implementation
- Extensive experience with psychiatric pharmaceuticals- Dispensing, monitoring
- Acute situation management- Initiating/maintaining special observations (suicide, vulnerability, risk)
- Well-developed communication techniques- rapport building, liaising with families
- Crisis management and de-escalation skills- Including control and restraint/ seclusion techniques
- Working with a multidisciplinary team to improve outcomes
- Managerial experience- rostering, responding to complaints and the review/update of relevant policies
- Also implementing guides and frameworks to improve staff ability and efficiency using new assessment/care plan tools
- Administrative- data entry and analysis, facilitate transfer of data between services, further Microsoft Office experience.
Clinical Case Manager
Home Care Options
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Home Care Options (HCO) was a company that facilitated low to high care elderly community services
- I was responsible for a case load of 25 clients covering an area from Fremantle to Mandurah
- These would include 20 to 25hour per week packages including high/dementia care packages
- As a case manager I would assess new and existing clients to determine what services where required, create/modify and implement care plans as needed
- I would liaise with the care coordinators sand cares to ensure services were met as arranged
- I would independently budget my care packages and ensure all KPI’s were met
- Communication skills- Extensive experience referring, liaising and working with external services to ensure holistic care
- Excellent at gaining and keeping the trust and respect of clients and families
- Medical experience- Providing short- and long-term wound, post-op, acute/chronic health and palliative care to a variety of clients
- Multiple assessment styles- Functionality, Cognitive scale, mobility, continence, swallowing and general health- Assessment/Planning/Implementation
- Environmental assessments/modification- Assessing a client’s environment to determine if it is manageable, functional, if aids can be added to comply and if it is safe for workers to be in
- Teamwork- To ensure smooth and effect service engagement with the rest of the team involved is essential
- Budgeting- All packages remained “in the Black” often ensuring clients retained emergency hours for unseen cost such as an extra service or transport
- Sale/Marketing experience- As I would be the individual representing HCO to perspective clients and “selling” the package with HCO
- Computing systems- Further experience with Microsoft Office, learnt new data entry system, shortly after commencement began assisting others with their computer systems and pairing devices for efficient use.
Deputy Operations Manager
Home Care Options
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Through my previous case manager role, I was promoted to Deputy Operations Manager (DOM), through this role I was responsible for 230 clients and over 150 active staff and reported directly to the Operations Manager
- During this role I gained invaluable managerial experience further improving my communication, conflict resolution and leadership skills
- As I was directly responsible for care services, I would be first point of contact for any complaints or issues with the service
- I was also tasked with bringing all staff development in line for auditing and creating a new system for tracking this information
- This role also allowed for further development of my budgeting and financial skills, as I was directly responsible for all costing and claiming through Medicare for all Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)
- Managerial- Able to supervise, instruct and educate multiple levels of service, encouraged teamwork and an open communication policy within the company, ensuring employees felt supported and heard in their roles
- Compliance- Ensuring compliance with regulations and company standards of care for all levels of staff both in the field and the office
- Staff education and guidance- providing 1:1 support and problem solving for all staff, liaising with HR to improve the efficiency and resole service issues
- KPIs- Ensuring all KPIs were not only met but aiming to surpass requirements for improved efficiency and quality of service
- Budgeting- Responsible for all DVA accounts through Medicare
- Communication- Improved my conflict resolution for company and service issues, always able to get a resolution that left the complaint satisfied with the outcome
- Marketing/sales- Facilitated the screening/acceptance of potential clients and allocated Case Managers to facilitate service
- Computing- Developed staff development compliance charting
- Use of financial tracking systems, data entry and use of Microsoft Office.
Registered Nurse
Elderly Mental Health, Swan Kalamunda Health Service
01.2015 - 01.2015
- I was working on a casual basis at Swan Elderly Mental Health Unit, until the hospitals closure
- I primarily worked night shift as this afforded the opportunity to coordinate and further my leadership and managerial skills
- Managerial- Honing my leadership, decision making and assessment skills
- Teamwork- Working in a multidisciplinary team for improved client outcomes
- Communication
- Through further use of conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques, also rapport building with clients and families.
Registered Nurse
Residential Aged Care, Aegis Karalee
01.2016 - 01.2018
- With Aegis, I remained part time as until recently I had 1 child that was not at full time school and my wife was studying but just graduated
- Over the past 2 years I have been across both sites in a combination of day/night shifts, but currently I work solely in the Lakeside unit over the weekends
- Lakeside unit is a 27-bed unit that caters for low to high care residents accommodating for any dementia, disability or chronic illness
- Medical skills- Providing short- and long-term wound care, post-op, acute/chronic health and palliative care including IDC, PEG and BGL management
- Dispensing of client’s medications, ensuring monitoring and education
- Assessments- Ensuring client’s holistic care needs are met through a multitude of assessment styles: Functionality, Cognitive scale, Mobility, Continence, Swallowing/Speech, Safety and general health- Assessment/Planning/Implementation of Care Plans to suit the individual’s needs
- This includes emergency assessment and decision making as required
- Referral experience- Regularly referring clients to external services or utilising available services such as After-Hours Doctor and SJ ambulance to ensure clients health needs are met
- Communication Skills- Further developed and utilised rapport building with clients and families to create a trusting professional relationship
- Conflict resolution and mediation skills for clients, family and staff, to reach common ground so all parties are satisfied
- Leadership skills- Always advocating for my staff or clients have issues that are not being met
- Identifying issues and offering solutions and plans of action/implementation to see these outcomes through
- Ensuring any staff member involved in an incident is offered debriefing to ensure they are “ok” with what happened
- Computing systems- Further experience with Microsoft Office, learnt another new data entry system.
Registered Nurse
Residential Aged Care, The Richardson
07.2021 - 09.2021
- This role was as a night shift nurse for 92 clients at the luxury aged care facility The Richardson
- On my shifts I was the sole nurse for all available clients in conjunction with just 3-4 carers
- Although only employed for a short period I was able to utilise a large portion of my clinical and personal skills due to the varied and fast paced needs of my clients
- I further developed my assessment, dressing and medication distribution techniques
- Continued use of my knowledge and skills regarding BGL management, palliative care, management of chronic illness, assessment and referral to internal and external allied health services, liaising with clients G.P or specialist and employee allocation
- Due to the time period and the world since 2020 I was fully trained on all COVID related learning materials related to all aspects of a clients care from the kitchen to clinical needs
- This included extensive training on correct isolation procedures and techniques regarding full PPE
- I was only with the unit for a short time as there were issues raised with time off due to the tight restrictions regarding illness and unfortunately with 5 children, I had a few colds go through the house in winter
- This resulted in time off to follow the government guidelines and to ensure the safety of my clients even at the cost of my professional reputation
- It was suggested I had 10 days off when it had been only 5, despite proving this to management, my contract was not renewed
- At the time this suited as my wife was going to begin work at the mines but has since decided it is not for her, being away from the kids.
Moderator
Beyond Blue
02.2022 - 06.2023
- Pre- and Post-Surgical Care, Beyond Blue Forums- Online, remote working
- This has been an amazing and one of the most fulfilling positions of my career and feel that I have been given the opportunity to extend my previous skill set and improve on existing skills to new heights
- This role was to provide moderation to the online community forums ensuring that all activity was monitored, assessed, edited, or rejected in accordance with established guidelines
- Facilitating the support of users wither through the community, private engagement through email or to arrange with our Australian Unity colleges to arrange outbound follow up (calling) to ensure safety and minimising the users’ risk to themselves or others
- During this role I was able to further hone my clinical and risk assessment skills, always ensuring that the situation was looked at with all considerations of risk
- Engaging in both independent and team clinical discission regularly and ensuring accurate documentation for consistence service approach regarding any identified concerns
- I discovered I have a passion for the auditing process and ensuring compliance, often discussing with colleges and stakeholders’ areas of improvement and plans or suggestions to make these improvements
- Often implementing the changes and education others on the benefits and rational
- I have implemented a nightly audit within the nightshift space ensuring that all actions taken on the forums and social accounts for Beyond Blue are reviewed and collated into a single 24-hour report for the moderation team and stakeholders
- I spearheaded improvements to all areas of documentation- This was done to achieve an acceptable level for clinical standards and potential need to justify actions in a Coroners Court
- This involved better show actions taken, their justification for same and to facilitate increased communication between shifts allowing for easier access to relevant information during a post assessment
- Due to the ongoing auditing and my problem-solving approach, I would often Identify issues for the service both current and potential
- Once identified I would select an appropriate period and conduct a detailed review of all related information and create data reports highlighting the issue, users affected and providing recommendations to minimise or remove the issue moving forward.
Counselor
Beyond Blue
07.2023 - Current
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and selfsufficiency.
- Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
- Engaged clients in conversation to determine feelings and apprehensions.
- Offered guidance and advice to help cultivate self-esteem and community involvement.
- Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
- Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.
- Contributed to a supportive work environment by sharing knowledge, resources, and new findings within the counseling field.
- Communicated closely with other counselors to devise programs and activities based on developmental and academic levels.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in clients'' lives.
- Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and appropriate intervention strategies.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.
- Established trusting therapeutic alliances with clients through empathetic listening, validation, and unconditional positive regard.
- Participated in ongoing professional development trainings to remain current on best practices within the counseling field.
- Provided crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing acute distress or dangerous situations.
- Listened to clients' concerns and provided encouragement and support.
- Provided education on mental health topics and resources to clients.
- Adapted counseling techniques to best suit individual needs of each client.
- Assessed clients' needs to provide appropriate therapeutic interventions.
- Educated clients on dangers of substance abuse and prevention techniques.
- Determined clients' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors.
Education
Certificate in Mental Health -
Edith Cowan University
2019
Bachelor of Science and Nursing - Nursing
Curtin University
Bentley, WA11.2009
Certificate IV - Nursing
Tafe
Joondalup, WA09.2004
Skills
- Highly developed mental health assessment skills- Assessment/Planning/Implementation
- Acute situation management- Initiating/maintaining special observations (suicide, vulnerability, risk)
- Well-developed communication techniques- rapport building
- Crisis management and de-escalation skills- Including control and restraint/ seclusion techniques
- Working with a multidisciplinary team to improve outcomes
- Counseling
- Self-care strategies
- Building rapport
- Client Advocacy
- Crisis Intervention Techniques
- Crisis Response
- Psychoeducation
- Adept at conflict resolution
- Client Records Management
- Adolescent Counseling
- Intake assessments
- Motivational Interviewing
- Needs Assessment
- Expertise in crisis intervention techniques
- Client Counseling
- Type counseling
- Decision-Making
- Documentation And Reporting
- Positive patient experiences
- Conflict Resolution
- Coping Methods
- Staff Training
References
References
Beyond Blue-
Name: Tom Nairn Role: Lived Experience Manager
Contact: 0437 249 654 Email: tom.nairn@beyondblue.org.au
Australia Unity-
Name: Shannon De Silva Role: Team Leader- Forums
Contact: 0434 448 467 Email: shdesilva@remedyhealthcare.com.au
Australia Unity -
Name: Stuart Fisher Role: Team Leader- Community engagement
Contact: 0478 765 732 Email: shdesilva@remedyhealthcare.com.au
Beyond Blue -
Name: Susie Newton Role: Online Communities Moderator
Contact: 0470 212 175 Email: Susie.Newton@beyondblue.org.au
Timeline
Counselor
Beyond Blue
07.2023 - Current
Moderator
Beyond Blue
02.2022 - 06.2023
Registered Nurse
Residential Aged Care, The Richardson
07.2021 - 09.2021
Registered Nurse
Residential Aged Care, Aegis Karalee
01.2016 - 01.2018
Registered Nurse
Elderly Mental Health, Swan Kalamunda Health Service
01.2015 - 01.2015
Deputy Operations Manager
Home Care Options
01.2013 - 01.2014
Clinical Case Manager
Home Care Options
01.2012 - 01.2013
Staff Development Nurse
Adult Mental Health Staff Development Services, Swan Kalamunda Health Service
01.2010 - 01.2010
Registered Nurse
Elderly Mental Health Unit, Swan Kalamunda Health Service
01.2009 - 01.2011
Enrolled Nurse
Swan Valley Centre, Mental Health
01.2004 - 01.2009
Certificate in Mental Health -
Edith Cowan University
Bachelor of Science and Nursing - Nursing
Curtin University
Certificate IV - Nursing
Tafe