News
Nursing and JHC, a family tradition for Nicole
Nov 09, 2023
For Nicole Counsel, nursing is a family tradition.
Her 99 year old nana was a matron, her aunt a nurse and her mum, sister and sister-in-law all work at Joondalup Health Campus (JHC).
Pilbara born Nicole began her career at Ramsay Health Care (RHC), which prides itself on opportunities for professional development of its staff, in 2009 as a clerical assistant within a Day Surgery Unit, before transferring to JHC for further roles in administration.
While Nicole had long held ambitions to become a nurse, self-doubt held her back until she finally put in a university application for nursing and to her surprise, she was offered a place.
“Once I learnt to believe in myself and my abilities I realised I was capable of anything I put my mind to. I want to make a difference to people’s lives, even in the slightest way,” Nicole said.
Nicole is currently completing her first rotation on L2 (medical ward) as part of the RHC Graduate Pathways Program.
The RHC Graduate Pathways Program is designed to help registered nurses, enrolled nurses, registered midwives, allied health graduates and pharmacy interns transition from study to work in a way that empowers them to be their best.
“My current vision for my role is to become confident in the basics of nursing care and the development of my knowledge and skills and later apply for the Clinical Enhancement Program in the Emergency Department to further develop my critical thinking and nursing care,” she said.
Nicole enjoys working with RHC for the family like culture she has experienced over 15 years.
“It felt right to stay loyal to a great organisation and the Graduate Program has been very informative and supportive,” she continued.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the skills based sessions held during our orientation week, and the graduate coordinators and clinical development nurses have all been very accommodating, supportive and approachable.
“There are a number of relevant educational sessions available to us grads that help us ease into the transition of becoming a nurse.
“To make a good nurse you need encouragement and a passion and excitement to learn, as healthcare, specifically nursing, is an industry of continual development and advancements.”
