Women's Health Week

Q: What does mental health mean to you? 

Zoe: To me, mental health is about the equilibrium or balance of physical and emotional health. Feeling at peace and able to self-care to perform at my best allows me to care for others. Given the prevalence of ill mental health in the community at present (thanks in part to COVID), this highlights the significance of ensuring my own mental health is a priority.

Q: What is your best self-care tip while working on the front lines of the pandemic?

Zoe: Finding something that you enjoy and adapting it to still do what you love, even in a time like this. More recently, I have spent my spare time in my garden and hanging upside down. I do Aerial Yoga, usually 3-4 days per week. However, the classes couldn’t run thanks to lockdown, so I purchased and set up my own rig at home. This means I can hang upside down whenever I want.

Q: How do you respond to pressure at work?

I am a great multi-tasker and have to be in my role, but I’m also aware that I only have two hands. When push comes to shove, I have to prioritise and allocate tasks that others can manage. (Food always helps too!)

Q: What has been the biggest mental health challenge you feel you have faced in your career?

The biggest challenge for me was not being offered a Graduate Nurse Program at the beginning of my career. This dampened my hard work and study; however, it gave me more fire in the belly. I was working for a nursing agency as a Personal Care Attendant (PCA). Not long after, I was offered a casual position with Healthscope’s Geelong Private Hospital and haven’t looked back since. I also found juggling post-Graduate studies with work, home (mum life!) and running a small business was challenging but extremely rewarding. The specialised study equipped me with the skills and confidence to get to where I am today.

Q: As a supervisor, how do you manage the mental health of co-workers? 

I work very closely with my staff, attending handovers and assisting on the ward when things are busy. I am always just a phone call away, and my team know they can call on me anytime. I have an open-door policy and treat everyone equally. And of course, rock a SMILE even through my mask! 

Q: How do you keep yourself motivated?

I like to keep updated with the latest research and knowledge by attending courses and information sessions. I can then apply this knowledge to my nursing practice, especially in my passion area, Alcohol & Other Drug Nursing. I also really appreciate seeing staff achievements. Watching the journey of Graduate nurses, climbing the ranks as their experience and confidence grows, how this has a positive impact on patients and their recovery.

Q: Looking back on the past 12 months, is there a particular work-related achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?

I have recently transitioned into the Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) position. Before this, I was working as the Hospital Intake coordinator. This became quite an extensive role given the COVID-19 pandemic. I was required to manage crisis triage calls and arrange admissions. I had to establish and organise for patients to be COVID tested before admissions. We were essentially pioneering this safety measure which, of course, added to our already challenging intake role. Given this challenge, I streamlined the intake process to have an automated paperless system which has continued to work very efficiently with the current staff.

Q: More recently, has there been a particular moment or memory at work that has stood out for you?

The opening of our new Bellbrae ward. A 27-bed facility which I am so very proud to be leading as the NUM. I have been welcomed with open arms by the staff, and I am so excited for what the future holds. We have an incredibly passionate team here at The Geelong Clinic, from the hospitality and cleaning staff to the Doctors and nurses. We are one big family!
 

Zoe’s experience is one we can all relate to, with work responsibilities at an all-time high this year and pressures continuously rising. Our physical health is closely related to our mental health, and it’s essential to listen to your body, be inquisitive, and take some time to put your health first.