#WeAreNorthern

Meet Suba Vijayakumar, Senior Registered Nurse, Noogal Clinic – Northern Health.

Q. Firstly, What is your coffee order?

Flat white with one sugar.

Q. Why and how did you choose your specialty?

I have always wanted to be a nurse. It is a noble profession, and I enjoy helping people. Mental Health was new to me, but I am glad I chose to stay and grow as a professional. 10 years later, I don’t think I could have been any other type of nurse. It was meant to be!

Q. Can you tell us a bit about your career?

I started off as a pre-graduate nurse in 2013. I completed my grad year in 2014, and post-grad in 2015. I have worked across Northern Area Mental Health Service (NAMHS) sites ever since, in different roles. I have been in my current role as a Senior Registered Nurse at Noogal Clinic since January 2022.

Q. What is your greatest achievement since working here?

My greatest achievement would be that I was able to implement Safewards in Northern Psychiatric Unit (NPU) when I was working as a Safety Culture Coordinator from 2018 to 2019. I love being able to support the early career nurses to grow into amazing and competent clinicians.

Q. Could you share your journey as a professional dancer?

I started learning Bharatanatyam, a form of Indian Classical Dance, at the age of 5. I graduated in the art form at the age of 17 in Singapore. After moving to Melbourne in 2008, I continued to stay in touch with Indian dance every chance I could, and have performed at various stages, including fundraisers and cultural shows. Recently, I started learning Odissi, another form of Indian Classical Dance. I performed Odissi for the first time at the dance school’s annual concert last year and I am preparing to perform again this year.

Q. What do you enjoying doing outside of work?

I really enjoy spending quality time with my family. I love shopping for others, especially my children. I’m a home-bird, so I spend most of my free time at home. I am either organising the pantry or linen cupboard or cleaning the house. Alongside this, I am currently pursuing my Masters, and although I wouldn’t say I’m thoroughly enjoying it, I do like studying.

Q. Where is a favourite place you’ve travelled and why?

I thoroughly enjoyed my holiday in Langkawi, Malaysia. The island’s beautiful and scenic environment perfectly complemented Malaysia’s renowned food and rich cultural heritage.