Dimboola nursing boon
A sizeable influx of nurses has made a significant difference to the continuity of care at Grampians Health’s Dimboola campus.
Dimboola has welcomed five international registered nurses and four onshore enrolled nurses in permanent roles in both community care and acute care. Dimboola Care Community Manager Breanna Eldridge said the influx of new nurses would make a considerable difference to the team.
“It has reduced our reliance on agency nurses to fill day to day positions, and it also means our permanent nurses don’t have to work above their contracted hours,” Ms Eldridge said.
“Importantly, that means there is also a greater continuity of care for our residents and patients, and we are almost in a position now where for the first time in two years, we can have all four acute beds available,” she said.
“The new nurses are all settling in well and we hope they become permanent members of the Dimboola community. They have already started to participate in our social bowls team which has helped them get to know their new colleagues.”
Saramma Isaac has moved to Dimboola with her family after working the last three years in Ireland.
“I am originally from the south part of India where I nursed in a medical surgical ward for four years but in Ireland I worked in aged care. I enjoyed the work but my kids were getting sick in Ireland, so we decided to move to Australia,” Saramma said.
“I am keen to grow my career and learn new skills here and I am enjoying the new challenge, though the administrative side of nursing in Australia is much different to Ireland and India, so I am still getting used to that,” she said.
“My family is settling in well and we have felt very welcome. We are enjoying the quietness of Dimboola and the regular activities.
“We intend to explore the region more and get to know our surroundings.
“I would happily recommend this to other international nurses considering a move. There are initial challenges but once you settle in it’s a great place to work and live.”
Grampians Health Chief of Nursing Leanne Shea said the elevated nursing numbers at Dimboola provided an extra celebration for her teams this International Nurses Day on May 12.
“The significant expansion at Dimboola is a great example of how Grampians Health is striving to deliver better health, wellbeing and economic outcomes for our community,” Ms Shea said.
“I want to take this opportunity to recognise and thank all Grampians Health nurses working in a variety of roles and skillsets across all campuses and treating their patients with compassion, kindness and empathy.”
