Thushara Chandrasena

O'Neill House - Prahran, VIC (Respite care & palliative care)

• Participate in resident admission process, ensuring appropriate referrals to the multidisciplinary team.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of person-centred care plans ensuring high-quality nursing care.
• Conduct regular assessments for residents in palliative and end-of-life care, monitoring physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
• Provide comfort-focused care to alleviate discomfort and enhance quality of life for residents during end-of-life stages.
• Administer and manage pain relief using continuous subcutaneous infusion (CSCI), collaborating with the clinical team for adjustments as necessary.
• Identify and escalate changes in residents’ conditions, liaising with doctors and the palliative care team for timely interventions.
• Ensure the safe administration of medications in compliance with organisational guidelines.
• Effective wound management through routine assessments.
• Offer leadership and support to nursing and care staff, fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Communicate compassionately with residents' families, providing regular updates, reassurance, and support throughout the care process.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation in accordance with organisational standards and guidelines.
• Actively engage in professional development to enhance nursing skills and knowledge.

Nurse Bank - Subacute (July 2024 - Current)

Nurse Pool - Subacute (May 2024 - July 2024)

• Rotating in different sites including residential care, GEM, rehabilitation units and aged mental health units.
• Conduct vital signs and other nursing assessments as required.
• Provide holistic patient-centred care as per care plans.
• Safely administer medications through different routes including intravenous and NGT.
• Provide wound care as per wound management plans.
• Provide nursing care for colostomy and PEGs.
• Assist with mobility and ADLs using different types of mobility aids and machines suitable for patients/residents.
• Reassure and encourage patients with mobility and ADLs during rehabilitation care.
• Liaise with the multidisciplinary team including doctors, physiotherapist and dietitian regarding patient care.
• Conduct accurate and timely nursing documentation.
• Provide patient education.

Graduate Nurse Program - Cardiology (November 2023 - May 2024)

• Performed general nursing assessments including ECG.
• Prepared patients for coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABGS), angiogram, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), automated implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) insertion and permanent pacemaker (PPM) insertion.
• Effectively managed post operative patients undergone angiogram, PCI, AICD insertion and PPM insertion.
• Managed patients requiring oxygen administration.
• Monitored patients on cardiac monitor.
• Provided holistic patient-centred care.
• Escalated and prioritised nursing care depending on the acute deterioration of patients.
• Safely administered medications and intravenous therapy.
• Escalated and effectively managed patients with acute chest pain/angina.
• Performed venepuncture and IV cannulation.
• Liaised with Heart Failure Nurse regarding heart failure therapy.
• Liaised with the multidisciplinary team regarding patient care.
• Actively supported the team during MET calls and code blue situations.

Graduate Nurse Program - General Medicine (May 2023 -November 2023)

• Utilised critical thinking skills to prioritise nursing interventions based on patients' acuity levels and individual needs.
• Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition and promptly initiating appropriate interventions.
• Administered medications safely.
• Adhered to organisational infection control protocols.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
• Utilised effective falls prevention strategies for geriatric patients.
• Completed Riskman for patient incidents.
• Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques and therapeutic communication skills.
• Facilitated patient transfers between different wards and facilities including nursing homes, GEM and rehabilitation units.
• Participated in BLS workshops and ongoing professional development opportunities.

O'Neill House - Prahran, VIC (Respite care & palliative care)

• Utilised critical thinking skills to prioritise nursing interventions according to residents' care levels.
• Conducted routine nursing assessments on respite care residents and palliative care residents to identify changes in condition and escalated promptly for appropriate interventions.
• Administered medications safely according to organisational guidelines.
• Administered Schedule 4 and 8 medications and managed syringe drivers for palliative care residents.
• Used effective falls prevention strategies and completed Riskman for resident incidents.
• Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
• Liaised with multidisciplinary team including doctor, palliative care nurse and lifestyle coordinator to develop and manage comprehensive care plans for residents.
• Reported residents' clinical changes and incidents to nurse in charge in a timely manner.
• Promoted cultural safety within the facility.
• Provided support for patients' families during difficult medical decisions and end-of-life care.

O'Neill House - Prahran, VIC (Respite care & palliative care)

• Assisted residents with activities of daily living, supporting their self-esteem and general wellness.
• Assisted with feeding and monitored daily intake as necessary.
• Assisted with transferring and positioning residents, ensuring proper manual handling using appropriate equipments/ machines.
• Provided regular pressure area care.
• Maintained a clean and safe environment for residents and staff.
• Engaged with residents and families for providing quality resident focused care.
• Recognised and reported clinical changes or incidents of residents to nurse in charge.
• Relevant documentation of updates on resident care.

Torrens Health, Melbourne, VIC / DHHS COVID-19 Workforce

• Worked as a screener, scriber and swabber in COVID-19 drive-through testing clinics at various locations in Melbourne.
• Worked as a COVID Marshal/ PPE spotter at drive-through testing clinics.