Jenny sees world from patient’s eyes
Queensland nurse, Jenny Anderson, says she tries to look at everything from a “patient-perspective” – an attitude which perhaps earned her the recent title of HESTA’s Nurse of the Year 2012. Ms Anderson speaks to DPS News following her recent accolade, sharing her love for nursing.
Queensland nurse, Jenny Anderson, says she tries to look at everything from a “patient-perspective” – an attitude which perhaps earned her the recent title of HESTA’s Nurse of the Year 2012.
Ms Anderson (pictured) speaks to DPS News following her recent accolade, sharing her love for nursing.
“I’m always trying to see what we can do to ensure good patient care. The greatest thing about being a nurse and caring for people on a daily basis is getting to know patients really well… they somewhat become like extended family,” she says.
Ms Anderson, who has 20 years of clinical nursing training, is credited with rebuilding the once struggling Rockhampton Hospital Renal Service and is now the nurse unit manager.
She has played a role in the hospital’s expansion of home therapy services and even proved her ability to cope in a crisis.
During the devastating Queensland floods last year, Ms Anderson ensured more than 100 renal dialysis clients in outlying areas were able to continue their treatment, helping to organise the evacuation of some clients.
She reflects on her nursing career, describing it as an “absolutely wonderful” career path to choose.
“There are difficult times in nursing, and then there are absolutely wonderful times. It really is a passion of mine… I love my job.
“Every day is different. You don’t do the same things every day and you meet lots of people from different walks of life.
“You really do become part of the patients’ lives because you have so much contact with them.”
As HESTA’s Nurse of the Year, Ms Anderson was awarded $5,000 from ME Bank and a $5,000 education grant.
“The awards night was a wonderful experience to meet other nurses right across Australia. Nurses in Australia, as well as right around the world, want to provide good care … and awards like these show good patient care really is happening. It’s a great thing to see,” she says.
