Four years ago, Hayley Cox was living a very different life as a coronary care nurse in a large inner-city hospital. Little did she know that a certain pandemic would completely change her career path and provide the opportunity for a welcomed sea change.
When the ward at St Vincent’s hospital was restructured due to COVID, Hayley’s young family headed to the Northern Rivers.
“I started on the Inpatient unit at Byron Central Hospital before doing additional training to work as a rural emergency nurse.
“I did a post grad certificate in emergency care and am now doing a diploma of emergency nursing.
“Being in ED is really exciting. It’s dynamic. I have lots of energy and this role suits that. I’m stimulated all the time, so it’s perfect for me!
“I like really challenging things. I like having a ‘good resuscitation,’ working really well as a team to save someone’s life.
“The change from a city hospital to here is brilliant. I really like being in a regional hospital where I feel I’m making a big difference. If there’s no doctor present or they’re busy, as a team we can utilise protocols to assist us with certain clinical presentations. The autonomy and independence is just great due to supported education and training in Emergency nursing.”
During the interview, the emergency alarm sounded. Hayley immediately jumped up checked the rapid response board. She was on triage nurse duties, but she always put the team and patients first.
“I’ve really found my space as an emergency nurse. We’re a small team (more like a family) and we trust other. I feel very immersed in this Emergency department and the community!”
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Some of the Byron ED team
From left:
Main row: Ash social work, RN Holly ED, Dr Georgina ED, RN Molly ED, Dr Gab, Dr Henry, RN Julie, RN Colleen, Dr Gaby
Back: RN Ray, NUM Cate, Dr Phil
Crouching: RN Hayley