Meet Registered Nurse Brooke

Where are you from/ What mob?

My father’s father is from Saibai Island.

Role at ATSICHS? 

I am a full time Registered Nurse working at our Logan Clinic.

Career background?

I studied for three years and graduated in December 2019. I’ve worked as an AIN with a nursing agency for one year and also worked with Children’s Health Queensland as a Home Support Worker with children that are ventilated.

How did you find the graduate nurse position? Would you recommend it to other recently graduated nurses?

I found the graduate program very interesting and I learned so much from the other nurses and ATSICHS staff. I also learned lot about myself along the way.

Through the program I worked at many different ATSICHS sites, and in different clinical roles. Not only did I get experience in the medical clinic at Logan, I also got to experience life at our Jimbelunga Nursing Centre and being in a coordinator position.

I learned that working with community is where I belong. It was rewarding to be able to connect with and support everyone I see every day. 

I would definitely encourage other graduate nurses to apply for the program. One of the best things about ATSICHS is that it’s a comprehensive service. This means as a graduate nurse you get to experience lots of different areas of nursing during the year. It also means you can work out which area you like the most and where your skills are.

What prompted you to get into your field?

When I was a young child I was diagnosed with an auto immune disease and I have been in and out of the hospital since then. I looked up to the nurses that looked after me so much, I felt that I and my health were truly cared for. I was inspired to become a nurse just like them one day and to have an impact on people’s lives just as much as those nurses had on mine.

What do you like most about your job?

That I am able to interact and help people in more ways that one. During COVID I have been able to provide not just clinical support but emotional as well. I aim to make an impact on the health and lives of my patients whether it is big or small. I also love when people say thank you as it makes me feel like I have done something to help them.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Every day is booked with appointments and consultations. Health checks, reviews and follow up. COVID definitely has changed how busy every day is with consults and the vaccinations in the clinic. But mostly everyday is different and you cannot predict what happens.  

Hobbies outside of work?

My hobbies include going to the gym, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, playing touch football, gym and spending time in nature.