Why did you become a NP or what lead to you becoming a NP?
I always wanted to be a nurse, even in high school, and the progression of my career brought me here to being a NP.
Could you describe one of your typical workdays?
Mornings are usually in the outpatient clinic looking after patients who require a bit more intensive care and follow up. The afternoons are usually set for transplant education; coordinating paperwork and telephone follow up with patients who have local blood tests done.
What parts of your job do you find most challenging?
Too many to detail!
What do find most enjoyable?
The patients, the patients make the job everything.
Are there any negatives to your job?
Giving bad news
Which seasons of the year are toughest in your job?
All seasons are relatively busy but I love summer time and would rather be outside in the sunshine
What single item would you save in an emergency and why?
My phone – so patients could get a hold of me regardless
Who would you most like to have as a colleague?
That’s a difficult question – there are so many
What is the most gratifying part of your job?
Seeing patients complete their treatment and in full remission
What is the least enjoyable part of your job?
Giving bad news
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? … And the worst?
Retire early and don’t work too hard
When and why were you most scared?
When the lights go out – don’t like the dark
What is your favourite film/book/music?
Don’t have much time to read and if I am reading it’s mostly journal articles, unless you put a gossip magazine in front of me. I am a huge Marvel fan and any superhero movie will hold my attention. My taste in music is too varied to be specific
What is the most annoying aspect of modern life?
Everyone is always on their phone.
Who is your favourite role model or mentor?
My supervisor from Uni – she seems to know everything about research and writing.
When is the last time you laughed out loud and why?
I laugh at loud every day and mostly it is when I am with a patient and having fun
What keeps you awake at night?
Thoughts about work or study
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
The alarm unfortunately
In a nutshell, describe your personal heaven? … and your personal hell?
Heaven – living on the beach
Hell – working forever
What is your Achilles’ heel?
Honey Soy Chicken Chips – Red Rock Deli in case anyone wants to buy me any
What title would you put on your autobiography?
She made me laugh.