Taking a fresh approach to work



By Marian Edmunds

After a break of four years to care for her children, Rachael Herkes is enjoying her work as a nurse more than ever.

Employed two days a week as a clinical nurse with the Community Hospital Interface Program at Bundaberg Hospital, Rachael says her role is all about “keeping people out of hospital by treating them in the clinic or home.”

Rachael says she loves being able to put her skills and training to good use again – and it gives her a break from the routine of childcare and home life.

The transition back to work was made easier for Rachael by the Refresher to Nursing Practice Program, developed to encourage and assist out-of-industry qualified nurses to return to work in Queensland Health facilities.

Rachael completed her refresher program in two areas – Surgical and the Community Hospital Interface Program.

Quite a few things had changed during the time Rachael was at home full-time caring for Ruby, now 5, and Fletcher, now 3.

“Many clinical things had changed in that time away and the refresher course gives back your confidence to deal with change. Lots of products had changed. Names and packaging had changed as well some protocols,” says Rachael.

She says the refresher course also assists nurses to devise strategies for juggling family life with work although she describes her own transition as incredibly smooth.

“Queensland Health is quite supportive of giving hours to fit in with childcare,” she says.

Even working part-time it is possible to develop your career, says Rachael who trained at QUT and worked at Royal Brisbane Hospital for several years before she and her husband chose to live in Bundaberg because it was a good place to raise a family.

“Working part-time is a lot different from full-time. I enjoy the work and the social aspect,” says Rachael.

The refresher program helped Rachael feel more confident in her new environment after the move from Brisbane. “It is great to be brought up-to-date after you have had a break,” she said. “Although, it is a lot like riding a bicycle – everything feels familiar quite quickly.”

CareerOne.com.au, May 26, 2010.