March 10, 2023

Get to know: Julia Beckman

#WeAreNorthern 

Meet Julia Beckman, Emergency Department, Nurse Unit Manager (NUM).

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

A: As a Nurse Unit Manager, I have a deep appreciation for the impact I can make on both staff and patient outcomes. I realise I’m in a unique position to be able to facilitate change and take pride in leading quality improvement. As a leader, I also take great pride in bringing together a diverse group of individuals to work towards a common goal within a supportive and nurturing environment.

Q: Is there anything you have implemented since starting at Northern Health that you are proud of?

A: Since starting at Northern Health, I have made it a priority to improve the wellbeing of the ED nursing staff. To support this, I implemented a fortnightly ‘wellbeing hour’. This allows staff to finish their shift one hour early and engage in well-being activities as a group. I have also been heavily involved in engaging with the wellbeing team to promote other initiatives such as the ‘one hour back’, whereby staff start an hour later, or finish an hour earlier on weekends. Additionally, as a leader I also believe it is important to take on a hands-on approach and will regularly offer my clinical assistance when required. You will often see me on the floor checking in on staff or working in resus when my skills are required.

Q: What have been some of the positive outcomes from the Wellbeing Focus sessions in ED that you have been involved in?

A: The sessions have been well received by staff and overall, a measurable difference in the reduction of personal leave has been noticed. The focus sessions not only benefit the team’s wellbeing, but also strengthens the sense of community and creates a positive work environment. I am confident that this initiative will continue to foster positive relationships within the team.

Q: If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?

A: Helping others has forever been a part of who I am – my mother would always refer to me as ‘Mother Theresa’. Along with my passion for nursing, I am also a huge animal lover. If I hadn’t chosen nursing as a career, I can see myself being part of a wildlife animal rescue group. My desire to make a positive impact on both people and animals is a reflection of my caring nature and my commitment to making a difference in the world.

Q: What is one thing people don’t know about you?

A: The career path I took to get into nursing wasn’t easy and I found myself pursuing my university education as a single mum with two young children. Nevertheless, my drive and passion got me through, and I have never looked back. My oldest daughter, who is now commencing VCE, is striving to follow in my footsteps to become a nurse and I couldn’t be prouder!