Central Coast nurses recognised for rising to coronavirus challenge on International Nurses Day
As the nation pays tribute to all nurses on International Nurses Day, a Central Coast nurse reveals some of the changes and challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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A Central Coast nurse practitioner has praised resilience across the region in the face of COVID-19.
Nurse practitioner Nicole Flannery took time out to speak to the Express on International Nurses Day, saying everyone had stepped up during the pandemic.
“It has been great to see so much resilience – from our patients, facilities and each other as healthcare workers,” she said.
The nursing profession was celebrated today and while we acknowledged their tireless work day in day out, we also took time out to appreciate the sacrifices they have made in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms Flannery is a nurse practitioner in the Aged Care Response Team with Central Coast Local Health District and has clocked up nearly 30 years in the profession she loves. Her team is out in the community and works hard to care for people in their homes.
Ms Flannery said telehealth and virtual care had become vital during the pandemic to keep patients and staff safe.
“Our district has risen to this challenge and I am proud to be a part of that as we now conduct a lot of our work with residential aged care facilities through telehealth methods using Skype for business,” she said.
“It has been great to have the ability to video chat. There have been some devastating impacts and consequences as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is great to be a part of a positive in that I have seen first-hand just how adaptive and innovative our health system can be.”
Ms Flannery’s team continues to do face-to-face care and assessments when needed and is also carrying out COVID-19 testing in aged care facilities.
“From a wellbeing perspective, our district has also been mindful of taking care of us as healthcare workers,” she said.
“We have been provided employee assistance in the form of wellbeing programs, particularly to support team members in managing the emotions that have come up due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The role of nurse practitioner is celebrating 20 years. It is an extension of the registered nurse role with advanced nursing practice and knowledge.
Ms Flannery said she was guided into the nursing profession by her parents, and has never looked back working in various areas such as surgical wards, operating theatres, community care and aged care.
“I love being able to help people, especially those who are vulnerable in our community,” she said.
“In my role I often think that we are caring for someone else’s mother, father, or grandparent.
“I ask myself, ‘how would I like my loved one to be cared for?’ The belief that we should take good care of our elderly population as they have cared for us in our early years is a no-brainer philosophy for me.”
The Central Coast’s COVID-19 cases have remained stable at 117, however Ms Flannery urged the community not to become complacent.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to urge the community to continue to be vigilant and act responsibly by taking all precautions, for our vulnerable population in aged care facilities and each other,” she said. “We can get through this together.”