Faces of Peninsula Health – Q&A with Bethany Clarebrough

Elly Archer at Peninsula Health

Bethany Clarebrough is a Graduate Registered Nurse at Peninsula Health.

Name: Bethany Clarebrough

Role: Registered Nurse

Stream: Graduate Nurse Program

Q: Why did you decide to complete your graduate year at Peninsula Health?

A: I had the amazing opportunity to work at Peninsula Health as a RUSON (Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing) throughout the second and third years of my Bachelor of Nursing degree. Additionally, I was lucky enough to have almost 20 weeks of placements at Peninsula Health. Given this, Frankston Hospital felt like a second home to me while studying! From the very first day, I felt like I was valued and treated like an important member of the team. I love the culture of inclusivity, respect, and compassion at Peninsula Health, and I feel privileged to be a part of the incredible team. 

Q: What has been a highlight of your graduate year?

A: I’m currently only 4 weeks into my graduate year, so it is still all quite new to me and there hasn’t been a specific highlight yet. However, there has been multiple small moments that have really stood out to me. 

One moment that has really stood out to me was when one of my patient’s had a chest tube inserted. I was by his side, holding his hand throughout the procedure (which took about an hour). When the procedure was finished, the patient thanked me for staying with him, with tears in his eyes, and told me that he wouldn’t have gotten through the procedure without me there with him.

Q: Can you describe a typical day in your role at Peninsula Health?

A: It’s really difficult to describe a “typical” day, as every day is completely different and brings along new challenges of its own. Every shift has been interesting, exciting and completely non-predictable.

Q: How have you found the education and support from Peninsula Health as a graduate?

A: I have learnt so much in the first four weeks of my graduate year. The nurses on 5FN (where I am doing my first rotation) are incredibly knowledgeable and seem eager to share this with me. Their passion really motivates me to expand my knowledge. Whenever I have a question, the nurses not only give me a deep explanation, but always offer to assist me in what I am doing (even if they are very busy, which is often the case in 5FN!). I absolutely love the atmosphere, and I feel incredibly supported in all that I do. The team on 5FN is really amazing.

Q: Where do you hope your nursing career will take you in the future?

A: My dream is to complete postgraduate studies and become an intensive care nurse. I thrive in challenging situations, and I’m fascinated by complex health situations and the comprehensive care required. I have a passion for learning and understanding the pathophysiological concepts behind conditions and diseases. Additionally, my mum is an ICU nurse at Peninsula Health, and her knowledge and skills really inspire me.

Q: Finally, what piece of advice would you give to final year nursing students who will soon enter the nursing profession?

A: You’ve got this! You have (almost) finished your degree, completed countless hours of clinical placements, and learnt an extraordinary amount of nursing theory and skills. No one ever feels completely prepared to start their graduate year, but the amazing thing about nursing is that we are all still learning, every single day.

Ask questions! It’s far better to ask another nurse (or looking up the policy) than to do something poorly and potentially put a patient at risk.

Finally, always have an open mind and listen to others. If someone tells you that you’re not doing something the ideal way, listen to them and don’t be defensive. I don’t care about being wrong, I care about providing the very best care to my patients.

For more information on our Graduate Nurse Program go to our Graduate Programs page.

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