Molly Elizabeth Smith

In 2022 I became a 'Clinical Nurse Specalist' in the Grace Centre after completing a quality improvement project and development of a professional portfolio. This project focused on neonatal skin integrity and improved the management and treatment of Nappy Dermatitis. I created a severity scoring tool that could be used by all members of staff and families that then guided them on ideal treatment for the specific stage of dermatitis. Since becoming a CNS I have been able to continue to support QI projects, team lead, mentor and support staff whilst maintaining excellent clinical skills and practice

• Maintained professional development by attending relevant conferences, workshops, and seminars, staying informed on emerging trends and best practices within the nursing field
• Work as a team leader (in-charge nurse) or access nurse and make decisions in these role using critical thinking
• Mentored nursing staff through professional development opportunities, enhancing their skill sets and competencies
• Served as a clinical expert resource for fellow nurses, fostering a collaborative work environment focused on ongoing learning and growth.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide holistic care and improve patient satisfaction.
• Implemented quality improvement initiatives that led to measurable enhancements in patient safety and satisfaction levels.
• Developed strong rapport with patients and families, promoting open communication channels for effective collaboration in treatment plans.
• Maintained patient confidentiality by protecting unauthorized access to personal information.
• Promoted a culture of safety by maintaining strict adherence to infection control protocols and reporting potential hazards.

In 2017 I was privileged to be given a position in The Grace Centre of Newborn Care as a new graduate nurse. Working in an intensive care environment I have gained a multitude of skills. I am competent in setting up and operating complex medical equipment/treatments such as ventilators, high frequency, nitric oxide, cardiac monitoring, CVAD’s and more. I have knowledge that allows me to look after neonates with complex conditions including complex cardiac disease, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological disorders and other significant congenital abnormalities. I have many practical responsibilities and tasks to complete throughout my shift whilst also heavily focusing on honesty, collaboration, respect and empowerment

Skills, Achievements and Duties

• Perform comprehensive assessments of neonatal patients, identifying subtle changes in condition that required medical intervention or modification of treatment plans.
• Caring for a newborn on ventilation/respiratory support (mechanical ventilation, high frequency oscillatory ventilation, CPAP, HHFNP)
• Administration and management of inotropic support and other medications in a neonate
• Performing advanced skills in the ICU e.g re-strapping endotracheal tubes, CVADS management, male catheterisation, IV administration, chest drain management
• Managing administration of parental nutrition through peripheral and central catheters
• Provide a precise and relevant handover of patients
• Demonstrate effective communication with members of the nursing and medical team, as well as families and allied health
• Practice in a professional manner with regard to ethical and legal principles
• Effectively and correctly use documentation
• Admission and discharge of patient’s home or to another clinical setting
• Utilise PPE and provide education to parents and families of its use and importance in the NICU
• Provide skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.

Company Overview: Allowah Presbyterian Children’s Hospital is a medical/Paediatric/rehabilitation hospital licensed by the NSW Ministry of Health that provides inpatient care and day stay for children with disabilities from0-18 years.

As an Assistant in Nursing at Allowah I worked with a commitment to providing high quality Child & Family Centered Care along with the whole multidisciplinary team; receiving the job offer after a 2-week clinical placement for Family and Children’s Nursing.

Skills, Achievements and Duties

• Quality practice in Child and Family Centered Care
• Providing holistic care to children and their families
• Taking on own patient load of 4 patients and attending to all aspects of their health care needs
• Continuous improvement and application of interpersonal and communication skills
• Breaking down barriers and overcoming challenges of communication restraints when caring for patients with varying capacities
• Provided high-quality personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding to ensure patient dignity.
• Working and contributing within a multidisciplinary team
• Management of enteral feeding via gastrostomy’s and nasogastric tubes
• Participate in development and review of policies, practice and partnerships with families
• Attending training days on quality, safety and continuous improvement in nursing practices in the workplace e.g
• Infection control procedures and policies
• Time management and organisation skills
• Documentation of progress notes and other guidelines and procedures