International Nurses Day was celebrated on May 12 and the Central Coast Local Health District has shared the story of one of their own.
Elaine Duck, has spent the past 20 years working for the CCLHD.
She works at Wyong Hospital but has also worked at Gosford and been a part of a wide variety of teams during her two decade tenure.
“I first began my journey in the Food Services department at Gosford Hospital.
“I absolutely loved that job but for as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a nurse.
“I just never believed in myself enough to pursue it,” Elaine said.
That confidence came after she transitioned into a more patient facing role.
“A few years later I became a Patient Support Assistant (PSA) at Wyong Hospital.
“It was in this role that I remember thinking ‘I have nothing to lose and everything to gain’.
“I thought that even if I found that I couldn’t get into nursing I still have my PSA job which I really enjoyed so it was a win-win,” Elaine continued.
Elaine enrolled in a Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Newcastle’s Ourimbah campus while still doing shift work and raising two young kids.
“I soon realised that I was unable to continue with the permanent night shift so I chose to leave my secure job to go casual, which meant I could only work weekends or during Semester break.
“I was lucky enough to meet a supportive group of nursing students.
“We continued our journey together and were able to help each other through assessments, tasks and examinations,” Elaine said.
In her second year of studies Elaine applied for an Assistant In Nursing (AIN) position at Wyong Hospital and was successful.
“It was here I was able to learn and develop my basic nursing skills and before I knew it, I had made it to my final year.
“The week before my final assessment a personal issue made things really difficult, but thanks to my supportive group of friends I made it through,” Elaine said.
Elaine graduated in 2014 and has been working her dream job at Wyong Hospital ever since.
“I have previously worked on the wards, in the Emergency Department and had a taste of the Intensive Care Unit.
“I am now in my fifth year of nursing and very proud of my achievements.
“I love what I do, where I’ve come from and where I’m going.
“I am planning to enrol in a Graduate Certificate in Anaesthetics and Recovery in 2020.
“Wish me luck,” Elaine said.
Source:
Press release, May 7, 2020 – Central Coast Health