Melissa Bell
GP Nurse
Melissa finished her Diploma in 2018 and is now studying her Bachelor of Nursing at Holmesglen. She also embarked on an exciting nursing student exchange program in Canada last year.
Nursing isn’t all in a hospital. There are so many avenues you can take. That’s the joy of nursing.
What do you love about nursing?
I love helping people and sharing my knowledge with them to help support them with their health. It’s great to see patients come back to the clinic and seeing the improvement and progress they have made.
Describe a “typical” shift as a GP nurse
A mixed variety of work. From educating patients on their health, creating care plans for individuals, administering immunisations to children and adults. And of course extensive paperwork that comes with every nursing job!! We also offer blood tests, wound care, plastering of limbs, iron infusions and ear syringing just to name a few!
You were part of an exciting Canada exchange program last year. Did you find the program beneficial?
The Canadian exchange program was extremely beneficial to my learning as I was able to learn about nursing in a different country and compare health care systems and take home some amazing information to share with fellow nursing students. This program also allowed me to make life long friends that live in a different country, who I am still in contact with regularly. It also opened my eyes to the possibility of nursing in a different country. Previously I had not thought of this option, however, after experiencing first hand their nursing skills and equipment, Grand Prairie, Alberta, Canada would be an incredible place to live and work as a nurse.
What differences did you notice between nursing in Australia vs Canada?
Alberta Canada has an amazing health care system. The biggest difference I found between Australia and Canada was the equipment available in universities and hospitals in Canada is exceptional and extremely advanced. The opportunity to use and witness such equipment was incredible and one day I hope this equipment is readily available in Australia. Some of this equipment includes pressure sensors on CPR pads so nurses are aware if they are performing CPR correctly and IV pumps that alert staff if their dose of medication is outside the recommended range.
Do you have any advice for nursing students or anyone starting out in nursing?
Don’t give up. Nursing isn’t an easy career, but believe me once you start and find your feet, it is so incredibly rewarding and worth every challenge it brings.
Read more Q&As with our nursing grads here.