Despite being just newly qualified, Central Coast nurse Eddralin Ronquillo has received top marks in the COVID-19 Infection Control Course.
Ronquillo had just started her Registered Nursing career at local aged care facility, Adelene Village, when just two weeks in, she took on the challenge to become the organisation’s Infection Prevention and Control lead, gaining a distinction and the second highest score possible in the course.
Qualifying as a nurse and starting a career working seven-day shifts in an aged care facility was a challenge for Ronquillo, but it was only part of the story.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Health mandated that all residential aged care facilities must have an ongoing dedicated infection prevention and control (IPC) lead on site to ensure they are prepared to prevent and respond to infectious diseases.
Despite the demands of her role, Ronquillo was one of the first to put her hand up for the intensive 26-week course.
“As a new nurse, I was hesitant to do this course, but I believe that opportunity knocks only once … making me think that I should take this opportunity and try my best and see how I go,” Ronquillo said.
She said once the reality of the demands of the job and study sunk in, it became much more difficult.
“I began doubting my capability,” she said.
“My days were long as I juggled work, study, and family life.”
After completing the 26-week course, with 11 modules and a 3000-word essay, she was astonished to find that she had achieved the second highest possible score, achieving a high distinction mark for the course.
Executive Care Manager, Anna Ross, said this is a huge achievement, particularly for a newly-qualified nurse who is already learning so much in her day-to-day work.
“We are all immensely proud of Eddy, and she deserves all the congratulations we can give her.”
Source:
Media release, May 18
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