Nellie Hodgson

Prior to the completion of my degree, I secured a graduate nurse program (GNP) position with Austin Health (Vic). Once conferred and registration with AHPRA, there was a six month wait period until the commencement of my graduate position. I therefore kick started my registered nursing career with part-time employment within the aged care sector until starting in the public health sector. The GNP at Austin comprised of 2 six-month rotations. My first rotation was sub-acute at The Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre within the Acquired Brain Injury Unit. I cared for patients with acquired brain injuries sustained from trauma, hypoxia, infection, tumour, and/or substance abuse. Although at times some patient’s behaviours were extremely challenging to manage, overall, it was a great introduction to nursing and a fabulous experience collaborating with doctors, neuropsychologist and allied health professionals. For my second rotation I moved to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre working in Haematology, Endocrinology and Rheumatology. It was an intense transition from behaviour management in rehabilitation nursing to acute nursing of extremely unwell patients with central venous access. Thankfully the team I work with, and the Clinical Nurse Educators were always close by to assist.

Prior to studying with CQU I worked in the aged care sector as a personal carer. I always dreamed of being a registered nurse since I was a small child, and knew I had more to give than my current career could offer. When I commenced studying, I was a mature aged student, a single mother, and sole carer, of 3 young children. I started my journey by completing CQU’s Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) which gave me the skills and confidence to launch into tertiary study. I chose to upskill so I could financially support my children, and to show them that one day they too can achieve a tertiary education and their career dreams. I am the first of my family to attend university. I chose CQU as majority of the study was online which suited my work-life situation, and there was a campus 10-minutes from my home for when I needed to attend residential school. Unfortunately, that campus closed during covid, which meant I then travelled to Brisbane to attend residential school blocks, but with the help of family and friends caring for my children during those intense residential school and practical placements I achieved my dream. 

My current nursing role revolves around direct patient care and monitoring. Care encompasses ADLs, recognising and responding to patient deterioration, managing symptoms and side effects of treatments such as chemotherapy, stem cell transplants and blood products. Administering medications, stem cells, immunotherapy, insulin infusions, blood products, partial and total parenteral nutrition. Venepuncture, intravenous cannulation and managing central venous access devices. Patient and family education and support. Effective communication and referral as required within the multidisciplinary team. Infection control and prevention, including care for the neutropenic patient. End-of-life care, symptom management, patient and family support.