Student Highlights
Brett's unexpected natural disaster while on placement
When third-year Bachelor of Nursing student Brett arrived to start his placement at St Vincent Hospital in Lismore, NSW, the floodwater was rising fast. Things didn’t look good – he had just happened upon one of the worst flood catastrophes the state has ever seen. What unfolded next, however, was an experience he never saw coming – and one he’d never take back.
“The next morning I woke up to all the surrounding roads being flooded. The first week of placement was cancelled due to the flooding crisis,” Brett said.
With placement temporarily put on hold, Brett and his fellow students threw themselves into volunteering to help the local community.
“I, along with other volunteers including other University of Newcastle students, cooked breakfasts for up to 400 people at an emergency evacuation centre at Goonellabah.
“I assisted with house cleaning, removing damaged furniture from houses to the footpaths. We could answer texts from UNRCH who would supply addresses of people who needed help – or we’d just show up to a house and help,” Brett said.
As the floodwaters began to ease, Brett was able to begin his placement the following week. He says the experience took his confidence and abilities to a new level.
“My work placement at St Vincent Hospital was by far the best experience of my nursing education to date.
“Prior to our placement commencing, the hospital educators enquired as to what our nursing interests were, and what sections we would like to experience if possible. My placement was predominately on a surgical ward, with rotations through Theatre, Oncology, Renal Dialysis, Gastroenterology, palliative care, rehabilitation and medical wards,” he said.
“The surgical ward had a diverse range of surgical patients which kept my placement interesting and the learning opportunities constant. Exposure to, and working, with central venous catheters (CVC), bella vac and wound vac drains were highlights for me.
“I had learned insight, but no experience working with them prior to this placement – now I feel my knowledge and practical experience is sufficient that I could confidently nurse patients with CVC and drains,” he said.
Brett says being able to develop his patient interaction skills in a highly sensitive environment was also a highlight.
“Offering an empathetic ear to patients and hospital staff who have lost everything is something I will remember and will assist me to engage in person-centred care throughout my career.
“The experience of being in Lismore during the flooding crisis has proven that the worst circumstances can bring out the best in humanity. People just put their hands up and did what was needed to help friends, family, or strangers,” said Brett.
“I do feel confident in entering the work force as a registered nurse after completing this placement,” he said.
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Brett Gallimore
When third-year Bachelor of Nursing student Brett arrived to start his placement at St Vincent Hospital in Lismore, NSW, the floodwater was rising fast. Things didn’t look good – he had just happened upon one of the worst flood catastrophes the state has ever seen.
Offering an empathetic ear to patients and hospital staff who have lost everything is something I will remember and will assist me to engage in person-centred care throughout my career.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.