Judy Harris is the new Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) at the Haemodialysis Unit, Broadmeadows Hospital and Craigieburn Centre.

Can you tell us a bit about where you worked before Northern Health?

I was an Associate Nurse Unit Manager in dialysis at a private clinic in Greensborough, and I was there for 12 years.

What attracted you to Northern Health?

I think it’s a really great organisation, where there is a lot of opportunity and this area has huge growth. I somehow see Northern Health like a new health service, even though I know it has been here a long time, but I think it’s growing and developing so much. It is a great place to be involved in the development of renal services.

What attracted you to this profession and what are some of the challenges? 

I trained in dialysis whilst I was working in a children’s hospital – it was an opportunity to develop a new skill. I then found that working in a satellite clinic worked very well with having small children, as I enjoyed dialysis, and it was close to home.

One of the biggest challenges in my role is getting to know patients, as we look after the same patients over many years. It can become really hard to step back and just be the nurse at times. We not only meet the patients, but the families too and know so much about their lives. The emotional commitment to the patients can sometimes be challenging.

What are you hoping to achieve as a new NUM in Dialysis?

I believe there are a lot of opportunities here and a chance to explore different aspects of healthcare in the renal service. I am interested in seeing how renal services are planning to grow and develop and follow the growth of the community. In this role, I just want to do a good job. I’ve acted as a NUM before for a couple of weeks, so this is my first NUM ongoing position. Hoping to keep things steady and get some good outcomes.

What was your first day here like?

The welcome here at Broadmeadows Hospital and in the renal department has been amazing. The staff are really kind and friendly and NUMs have been really supportive. I know Northern Health’s values are safe, kind and together and I think that has been reflected in the people that I have met so far.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love to spend time with my family, we really enjoy going bush camping. I also love my dog, and try to get out for walk every day with him.