On Friday, May 5, it was International Day of the Midwife and on Friday, May 12, is International Day of the Nurse.
When ill or giving birth they are the friendly and reassuring faces you see and Associate Nursing Unit manager of Maternity at the Southern Fleurieu Health Service Andrea Falconer said it was an occupation that was rewarding and at times challenging.
“It is good to be working and living in the community of the Fleurieu Peninsula,” Andrea said.
Andrea has been a nurse for 15 years and been at the Victor Harbor hospital since 2014.
“You go to school drop-offs and you see children who you have assisted being born and the Mums who really needed you at the time,” Andrea said.
“There are so many rewarding moments working in a community hospital such as nurturing new mid-wives, that is always fun and working with a good team of nurses, doctors and a great community. “You achieve so much on a daily basis.”
Andrea said there were days when working on the wards could be tiring, but there was always something that happens, which would lift your spirits.
“You can get tired on the wards during the day or night, but when you reflect on what you have actually done, you feel good, especially if the day went well,” she said.
“Since I first started in 2014, the hospital has always strived to keep up with the latest trends and the future looks bright with more investment coming in the near future and I look forward to the midwifery unit being included one day.”
Andrea recommends nursing and midwifery as an occupation for any young person.
“Rural midwifery is different every day. You could be delivering a new baby to the world, do home visits to assist the new Mum with the new routine, as settling in, is so important,” Andrea said.
“Nursing has vastly different roles too, caring for the young and the elderly. It is special what we do and really rewarding.”
