Hawkesbury nurse fulfilling her lifelong promise
Lea was only young when her mother sadly passed away from cancer, but the compassionate care her mother received while in hospital left a lasting impression.
It was during this time that Lea made a promise to herself, that she would become a nurse so she can one day provide the same compassionate care to families that her mother received.
After starting her nursing career in 2014 as an enrolled nurse, to working as an endorsed enrolled nurse at Hawkesbury District Hospital since 2017, Lea is set to complete her Bachelor of Nursing degree next year.
For Lea, becoming a registered nurse means coming full circle on the promise she made to herself years ago. An achievement she credits to finding fulfilment in her role as a nurse and the support of the nursing team in Hawkesbury’s Barry Collins Ward.
“I remember the care my mother received when she passed away from cancer when I was younger. I remember thinking how much of a difference that made to my mother and how I would love to do that for someone else,” says Lea.
“Nursing has been the best career for me. I found the fulfilment I was seeking and take immense pride in the work I do.”
Providing compassionate care, understanding each patient’s unique needs, and supporting both the patient and their family, remains important to Lea.
“I enjoy building a rapport with my patients. It enables them to feel at ease in an unfamiliar environment and comfortable enough to share their concerns and ask questions as they arise,” says Lea.
“It is also important to allow the patient and their family time to adapt to new and evolving situations and encourage them to keep focused on their goals.”
Although Lea has her sights firmly set on completing her studies and becoming a registered nurse, she is already considering what her future in nursing looks like.
“Eventually, I would love to become a clinical nurse educator. I have had some awesome nurse role models and they have been a great support to me,” says Lea.
“I would love to do the same for new nurses and give them the tools they need to be the best nurse they can be.”
And for any enrolled nurses thinking about taking on further studies, Lea has some solid advice.
“Do it. You are never too old!” says Lea.
“Yes, the exams and assignments can feel never ending, but the end goal is definitely worth the struggle!”