Geraldton nurses upskill in preparation for hospital expansion

Just minutes from some of the Midwest’s most pristine beachfronts, three of WA Country Health Service’s clinical nurses are shoring up their clinical skills ahead of the new services opening at Geraldton Health Campus.

In preparation for the opening of the new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and expanded High Dependency Unit (HDU) in just a few months, Clinical Nurses Kristal Buchanan, Tintu Simon and Jodie Boschetti recently completed a two-week Intensive Care Unit (ICU) upskilling course at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth.

As part of the course, they had hands-on experience working alongside the highly experienced ICU team caring for ventilated and sedated patients.

“The staff there are amazing, they’re so knowledgeable,” Kristal said. 

It gave me two weeks of really concentrated time looking after mostly ventilated patients.

“From a professional upskilling perspective, it was the best experience.

Moving to Geraldton in 2012 and then joining WA Country Health Service in 2017, Kristal said the team she’s worked with in the Emergency Department and the sense of community In Geraldton is what’s kept her anchored to the Midwest. 

“Initially, we were going to come to Geraldton for a year, get our feet on the ground and then head to the city, but as we know with Geraldton, it invites you in with its warmth and wonderful community,” she said.

“It’s such a great lifestyle as we’re right on the coast. 

“We have beautiful weather pretty much all year round and there’s a real sense of community spirit.”

Kristal said she was keen to complete the course to equip herself with the necessary skills to pursue ICU nursing.

“It’s about being able to provide the best possible care to our patients, while also being able to keep them close to home, where they have their family and support networks close by.”

Tintu works in the hospital’s High Dependency Unit (HDU) which has also been expanded as part of the $192 million redevelopment.

The upskilling course was a chance for her to get first-hand experience ahead of the ICU opening.

“I love being able to make a positive difference for my patients and their families. 

“Even if it’s in a small way,” she said.

“I wanted to expand my knowledge and gain some hands-on experience looking after critically unwell patients,” she added.

Having lived in Geraldton for the past 17 years, Tintu says she loves the opportunities working as a regional nurse provides.

“I love living in an area like Geraldton, it’s given me a great balance between my professional growth and lifestyle.”

Alongside Tintu, Jodie also works in the HDU and spoke passionately about supporting patients in her care.

“Often when our patients come to us, they’re very unwell,” she said.

“That’s why it’s all the more rewarding and a real privilege to see their health improve and develop trusting relationships with the team looking after them.”

Jodie said she decided to take part in the upskilling course to be able to better support patients in the community she loves.

“I feel much more knowledgeable and confident about how to safely care for a ventilated, sedated patient.”

Jodie says the community and the teams she works with are what she loves most about Geraldton.

“My friends are here, there's lots of things that you can become involved with, community sports, different groups, volunteer organisations,” she said.

“I love the teams that I work with, we always support each other, and I have a real sense of trust and appreciation for my colleagues.”

If you or someone you know is interested in a career at Geraldton Health Campus, visit JobsWA to apply.