Mental Health nurse Melinda moved to Rockhampton for a one-month contract back in 2018 and fell in love with her workplace and the region.
“It’s amazing!” she said about mental health nursing. “There’s so many different career options, from ward nurse on the frontline to management, case management, community or in hospital.”
Melinda’s current role is Consult Liaison, which reviews patients from other teams in the hospital who have been referred to mental health.
“You need a good understanding of how physical health impacts mental health, and how mental health impacts decision making on your health.
“It's a very busy team and I like how you work closely with doctors and other clinicians. You learn something new every day.”
When she first came to Queensland, Melinda was pleasantly surprised to find the statewide software CIMHA (Consumer Integrated Mental Health and Addiction Application).
“It is amazing. You can have a patient from elsewhere in the state and their records are available to you instantly. There’s nothing like that in Victoria.”
Melinda is grateful for the opportunities she’s been provided in Rockhampton.
“The managers and directors are so supportive. There’s always education and training provided and lots of in-service.”
Melinda is taking part in the BOOST initiative, which is an initiative supporting nurse leaders meet the challenges of their roles.
She has also been supported by her managers to start her Nurse Practitioner study at Queensland University of Technology.
“In five years, my career has just shot off, after 10 years or so in Victoria where I was very stagnant.”
CQ Health is developing many new positions in mental health and there’s potential for providing new ideas and join groups in planning for the future, with construction of a new $92m inpatient unit.
“If you want to progress in your career this is definitely the place to do it!”
Melinda met her partner in Rockhampton, and they love to do motorbike trips on their time off.
“It’s such a beautiful coast and lovely to ride to Byfield, or even Mt Morgan to get a café at the bakery.”
There are also many sports options, including squash, soccer, netball, there are so many teams available, even Australian Rules football, which is important for a Victorian.
And another great thing is the nine months of summer!
Like Melinda, let your career soar in regional Queensland, with access to ongoing training and professional development.
Apply now for the mental health talent pool.
Applications close: 22 August 2024