The opportunity to get to help people on a practical level and to see how theory works in reality, led to Linda Roussos applying for an undergraduate student in nursing (USIN) role at Bundaberg Hospital.
The USIN positions across the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) are available to nursing students in the later years of their study and provide practical experience within the nursing stream while under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
Since joining the team in March, Linda has gained valuable insight into the nursing profession, as well as experiences that have added value to her training as she completes her degree.
“I really want to help people on a practical, day to day level, so being a student nurse is great because you get to be in the hospital putting into practice what you're learning, and gaining more insight into what illness really is, involving the whole person” Linda said.
“It's a fantastic way to know what the hospital does day-to-day, what the patients present with, and just to consolidate all the learning at uni. You do the residential schools and practical assessments as a uni student, but until you're in a medical setting, you don’t really know if this is what you would really enjoy doing for the rest of your career.
“Before starting as a USIN, I didn't know much about nursing really, so the USIN role has reinforced that I am doing the right thing and that it’s never too late to start again or do what you dream.”
Linda describes her move into nursing as a ‘big career change’ from working in administration to support her family.
“I’m a mother of three boys and they’re a bit older now, so I have a bit more time to put into study,” she said.
“My father was an honouree ambulance officer when I was young, and I wanted to help people like in the same way, and nursing can take you many places and has varied work environments. It is important work and incredibly rewarding at the end of the day.”
While working as a USIN, Linda has been based in Bundaberg Hospital’s Medical Ward 3 and has also spent shifts in various work units across the hospital.
“Being a casual USIN I've worked on a few different wards, and this gives you a good idea of what area you'd like to specialise in,” Linda said.
“The medical ward has been fantastic - Bundaberg has such a diverse group of people of all ages with different illnesses, health challenges and cultural backgrounds. It's not always the same, it's different every day and there are so many things to learn and people to learn from.
“I have applied for a graduate position at Bundaberg Hospital and plan to gain a position in the perioperative specialty.”
One of the attractive aspects of working as a USIN at Bundaberg Hospital, and a reason she wishes to continue to work there, is the good workplace culture and teamwork at the site.
“It is invaluable to be part of a team and help patients achieve their health goals. Everyone at the hospital has been very supportive and I know I am making an impact,”
“It's a different world now and it is rewarding to be able to help and support people in this way. I love that I can contribute to people in trying times time such as being in hospital.”