The journey for friends and family through their loved-ones progress to ICU can be incredibly emotional, and intense. One intervention that is put in place to answer questions, and provide support is the ‘Family Meeting’. One Doctor, One Nurse and the family members sit down to go over everything so far. Often, this Family Meeting will occur within hours of the patients presentation to ICU. Here are my experiences so far.

I’ve received a few messages lately asking what I bring to work each day; or what hey should buy to prepare for their grad year. In this episode, I talk about 3 pieces of equipment that I find useful. Hope you enjoy.

The ICU can be an intimidating and stressful environment for everyone involved; especially for kids. In this episode, I talk about 3 tips I use, that help to mediate the ‘scariness’ of ICU, and help to keep the experience as positive as possible.

It’s no lie that I absolutely LOVE 12 Lead ECG’s. It’s certainly a passion of mine. In this episode, I share an experience I had of interpreting a 12 lead with a Senior Registrar; and how I appreciated his time! I found the experience super educational and rewarding. Have a great day!!!

As I’ve mentioned in a few other episodes, along with starting as a new graduate in the ICU, I’m also completing a formalised transition program as well. Whether you’re looking at going the same thing; or looking at other study such as an honour’s year; here is my perspective and experiences so far.

Just thought I’d make a quick little episode to talk about my experiences post-CPAT; with caring for a higher acuity of patients. New equipment, new procedures to follow, and certainly a higher pace. It really is like walking to running.

In 2016, I attended a workshop, hosted by TacMed Australia, before my student paramedic competition. They introduced a technique, often used in the military setting, called ‘Tactical Breathing.’ The effects for me, were almost instantaneous; and I’ve lost count of exactly how many times I’ve incorporated this technique into my practice. It’s something I use often, and strongly endorse.

For final-year Nursing students in Australia, soon you’ll be entering your final-semester of uni; and will applying for your graduate programs before you know it. For my UK friends, as I understand you’re currently competing your interviews. In this episode, I talk about my personal experiences of working in a graduate program that I love, and how that makes the world of difference starting as a nurse.

It’s Time! I’ve started to care for patients who are in need of some haemodynamic support. I talk about my experiences so far, and my mindset as a Grad.

After attending my formal graduation ceremony from university, and catching up with a few of my uni mates, we all shared our experiences from our graduate programs. It really became apparent at just how high acuity of patients I’ve been looking after. Exposed, day after day to some very sick patients. I talk through my thoughts on a subject I don’t feel is talked about enough: Compassion Fatigue, Stress & Burnout.