This week, Northern Health is celebrating International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day. Today, we share the thoughts of Rachel Green, Nurse Unit Manager, Ward 19.

Q: What is your name and title?

Rachel Green, Nurse Unit Manager – Ward 19.

Q: What does International Day of the Midwife/International Nurses Day mean to you?

International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day are days of recognition, celebration and commemoration of the amazing work and care that nurses and midwives do each and every single day of the year, both in the hospital setting and in our wider community.

Q: Why did you want to become a midwife/nurse?

The reason I became a nurse was because I was inspired by the healthcare industry and the care and compassion shown by nursing staff, and the importance of doing the small things that make a big difference in the care and management of patients. I felt I needed a career that was hands on, involved people, was progressive and an ever-changing career pathway.

Q: Tell us about your journey to become a midwife/nurse?

I commenced my nursing journey through Victoria University TAFE as an Enrolled Nurse initially and decided that I would do the bridging course that led me into the second year of the Bachelor of Nursing at Victoria University. I completed my degree in 2008 and completed my Graduate year at Northern Health in 2009. Northern Health over the years has provided opportunities to grow as a nurse and progress into leadership roles within the organisation. In 2022, I was seconded into the Nurse Unit Manager Role on Ward 19, where I have since become the permanent Nurse Unit Manager on Ward 19 which is primarily Orthopaedic and Plastic Surgery Ward.

Q: What inspires you?

I am inspired by all the amazing work that is done around the organisation. Especially the amazing team on Ward 19, who on a daily basis, amaze me with their compassion, empathy, kindness and dedication to the organisation and their patients. Throughout my years at Northern Health, I have been surrounded by many amazing and inspirational leaders, who have shaped me to become the leader I am today.

Q: Tell us about a particular patient or care interaction that has really stuck with you.

I remember a few years ago, during a rough shift whilst working on the floor as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, I was very overwhelmed. I was looking after a patient who had some significant medical issues and post-surgery complications, which lead to further major surgery and complications. She was a patient on the ward for over four months. Even though with all these complications, extended length of stay and pain they were in, the patient never lost their compassion or empathy towards healthcare workers. To this day I still remember sitting with them in their room, whilst they comforted me during my overwhelming shift. This has stuck with me, and constantly reminds me no matter how bad the situation is, it is important to show empathy and kindness to everyone, we just don’t know what sort of day someone else is having.

Q: Do you have a message for your nursing/midwifery colleagues?

Despite all the hard days or shifts, there is always a reason that brings you back to work. Whether it be the team you work with, the patients that you have the privilege of looking after or the chance you’ll make a difference in someone’s life at their lowest moment.