My client applied for the role of Clinical Nurse in one of Brisbane’s public hospitals under the QLD Department of Health (DoH). They progressed to the interview and were offered and accepted the role. Feedback from the selection panel rated their two-page statement – addressing six (6) selection criteria based on the DoH Values Framework – as excellent quality. One of the criteria is showcased.
High Performance.
On one night shift as Team Leader, an elderly patient became confused and tried to climb out of bed. Their designated nurse approached me and raised concerns. I tried to calm the patient using several strategies, but none were effective. After the doctor reviewed the patient, they ordered an XYZ procedure. The nurse manager was informed, but no one was available. Therefore, my priority for the rest of the shift was to ensure all the patients in the ward were safe despite a staffing (nursing) shortage and to maintain a high quality of nursing care. To counter this issue, I communicated with all the nursing staff to explain the situation and their roles and responsibilities. Further, I reprioritised and re-delegated tasks to keep things moving orderly as the shift progressed. I checked each area and communicated with the nursing staff regularly to find out what needed to be done, and to reallocate staff from less busy areas to step in to help. As a result, all the patients received their treatment on time despite the staffing shortage, and the nurse who was assigned to care for the confused patient thanked the team for the extra help and support she received despite the increased team workload.
