Patrick James Caraig

CB1D Haemodialysis Unit, SWSLHD

• Deliver safe, person-centred haemodialysis to patients with chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury, in line with SWSLHD and NSW Health renal protocols.
• Authorised to cannulate AV fistulas, access AV grafts, and perform ultrasound-guided cannulation for patients with complex or fragile vascular access.
• Manage tunnelled and non-tunnelled central venous catheters (TVCs/NTVCs), including aseptic technique for access, dressing changes, and TPA locking procedures.
• Determine appropriate ultrafiltration (UF) rates by assessing the patient’s ideal body weight, clinical status, and haemodynamic stability, adjusting fluid removal goals accordingly.
• Titrate and select appropriate Smart Bag dialysate concentrations based on serum potassium levels and clinical indicators.
• Administer IV medications, anticoagulants, and blood products as per local policy, and escalate reactions or complications promptly.
• Operate and troubleshoot Fresenius 5008 dialysis machines, including setup, priming, disinfection, and alarm management.
• Perform full dialysis cycle assessments (pre-, intra-, post-treatment), identifying and responding to complications such as hypotension, fluid shifts, febrile reactions, and circuit clotting.
• Collect, interpret, and escalate results from routine and urgent blood tests (e.g. UECs, FBCs, ABGs) as part of routine dialysis care.
• Collaborate closely with renal physicians, advanced trainees, CNCs, and allied health to manage complex and acutely unwell patients.
• Provide structured education to patients and families about vascular access care, fluid and dietary compliance, and infection prevention strategies.
• Document accurately using eMR2, contribute to clinical handovers, and promote safe, high-quality care within infection control and renal safety frameworks.
• Participate in ongoing professional development through the Transition to Practice Programme, building confidence and capability in specialised renal nursing.

CB4F Complex Medical Oncology, SWSLHD

• Provided holistic care to complex and acutely unwell patients undergoing medical oncology treatment, including those receiving chemotherapy.
• Performed close monitoring and clinical assessments of patients experiencing chemotherapy-related complications.
• Delivered nursing care to patients with dermatological reactions, including chemotherapy-induced skin toxicity and chemical burns, requiring complex wound assessment and management.
• Managed wound dressings and collaborated with dermatology teams for inpatient care planning and follow-up.
• Provided care to patients under the Infectious Diseases team, managing isolation precautions, infection control, and complex multi-system conditions.
• Contributed to patient care planning in a multidisciplinary setting including oncologists, dermatologists, infectious disease specialists, and allied health professionals.
• Supported patient and family education regarding disease processes, infection prevention, wound care, and symptom management.

Casual Pool

• Provided high-quality, patient-centred care across various hospital wards, including medical, surgical, aged care, and rehabilitation units.
• Delivered nursing care under the supervision of Registered Nurses, including assistance with ADLs, hygiene, mobilisation, and nutritional needs.
• Performed clinical tasks such as wound dressing changes, vital signs monitoring, blood glucose monitoring, catheter care, and medication administration within scope of practice.
• Supported patients with chronic and acute conditions, maintaining comfort, dignity, and safety throughout their hospital stay.
• Adapted quickly to different ward environments and patient populations while maintaining effective communication and teamwork with multidisciplinary teams.
• Recognised changes in patient condition and escalated concerns to medical officer to ensure timely and appropriate care interventions.

Ward 2C Acute Geriatrics, SWSLHD

• Delivered high-quality patient care within an acute aged care ward as an Enrolled Nurse.
• Assisted with activities of daily living (ADLs), personal care, and patient mobility to support dignity and independence.
• Conducted ongoing clinical observations, recognising and escalating deteriorating patients in collaboration with the RN team.
• Supported falls prevention initiatives as the designated Falls Champion, conducting assessments and promoting safe care environments.
• Contributed to multidisciplinary care planning for elderly patients with dementia, delirium, sepsis, and other chronic comorbidities.
• Served as Falls Champion in Ward 2C, promoting fall prevention strategies and leading ongoing education and audits.
• Acted as Primary Auditor for NSQHS Standard 8, overseeing compliance with clinical deterioration protocols through resuscitation trolley audits.