APNA Conference: Ear Irrigation
I had the pleasure of presenting and taking part in several sessions at this year’s Australian Primary Health Care Nurses’ Association (APNA) annual conference. One of the sessions I presented on was a short course on ear irrigation – and it turned out to be a really fun and engaging audience! I had a great … Continue reading APNA Conference: Ear Irrigation
Just a Travel Update
It’s been a while since posting an update on my work in Mornington Island. Today marks my second rotation so I figure a quick update is warranted. There’s been a flurry of activity since my last stint there. In the last week I’ve been to Perth for meetings, followed by Sydney for a really great … Continue reading Just a Travel Update
A Bad Day
The day began with a Morning Glory. A rare and unique meteorological phenomenon only seen here in the Gulf of Carpentaria. It isn’t seen anywhere else in the world. It was the first time I’ve seen one. It’s been several days since I’ve last posted, with good reason. From a personal perspective, today was one … Continue reading A Bad Day
Settling In!
Establishing routines, both professionally and personally. Have been walking home from work and walking/jogging since arriving (a full two days!). 😅 Efforts at ingraining healthy activity are being offset by the fact I’ve had macaroni and cheese for three meals since arriving on the island. 😂 I figure I have time to figure out how/what … Continue reading Settling In!
Missionary, Mercenary or Misfit? Which will I be?
The old saying goes that those white fellas that choose to work rural/remote are either a missionary, mercenary or a misfit. Although there is some uproariously funny dialogue about this phenomenon…I can’t help but feel a bit anxious about how I’ll be perceived and received on Mornington Island. Even with the best of intentions, one … Continue reading Missionary, Mercenary or Misfit? Which will I be?
Mount Isa Orientation
Today I met Gidgee staff working across the corporate offices and two clinical sites based in Mount Isa today. Beautiful, passionate and committed professionals – a great start to my stint on Mornington! …And I had forgotten whose electorate I was in….🤭😂
End of Day 1
Made it to Mount Isa! Just a hop, skip and a jump left. Tomorrow is orientation with Gidgee at their offices and then off to the island on Tuesday!
A Slight Delay…
Ok, so my little adventure won’t start just yet…Brisbane Airport has “been shut down due to weather emergency.” Canberra leg is down…BNE to Mount Isa May turn out to be a saga. 😂
Mornington Island: A Start to a New Adventure!
Well today’s the day I start a new chapter in my nursing career. I’m off to Mornington Island for a 6-month stint to work with with Gidgee Healing, an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Service. I’ll be helping the community transfer primary healthcare services away from the acute public sector hospital there. I’m a bundle of nerves! … Continue reading Mornington Island: A Start to a New Adventure!
On Nursing, Squeaky Wheels and Disruptive Innovation
This week I had the honour of presenting the Donna Diers Oration at the 13th Annual Conference of the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners. I delivered this speech to an amazing, gracious audience. I’ve never received a standing ovation before. Let me assure you, it’s a humbling experience. Words can’t express how thankful I am … Continue reading On Nursing, Squeaky Wheels and Disruptive Innovation