Nursing, medical, allied health, and non-clinical staff like Vanessa can express their interest to be deployed to health services across the state. Find out more about the NSW Health Deployment Program and how to take part.
“When I grow up, I will be a nurse and I will make people better.”
These words, written by Vanessa Gartrell when she was just six years old, are on a piece of paper that has been framed and takes pride of place in her mother’s house. They’re as meaningful now as they were all those years ago.
That promise is also part of the mantra Vanessa continues to live by – to care for others and always be kind.
When the opportunity to return to frontline clinical nursing came up as part of a short-term placement program, Vanessa was grateful for the chance to reconnect with patients and colleagues.
“When I learned more about it, I decided I was in a good position to help out.”
While she loves her role as a Senior Engagement Manager in Activity Based Management at the NSW Ministry of Health, Vanessa found herself drawn to the clinical placement and the chance to help where it’s most needed.
As a registered nurse working in a non-clinical management position, Vanessa saw the deployment program as a great opportunity to return to clinical work in a role she knew would make a difference.
Her deployment at Port Macquarie Base Hospital really reopened Vanessa’s eyes, and heart, to the personal connections that first attracted her to nursing.
“Nursing is such a humanising role. It's those little things that make all the difference. When you’re feeding a patient and having a chat, or holding their hand when they’re afraid, it really hits home how special the job is.”
“It was such a great time. The team even said when I was leaving to come back any time and they would be more than happy to employ me full time,” smiles Vanessa.
“That was very meaningful to me because the whole time I was there, I asked for constant feedback. That's just me, I like to know that I'm doing things the right way, so you get that really personal connection.”
Vanessa has also been pleased to see the way her current administrative role relates to, and complements, frontline hospital activity. She knows her time back in the hospital setting will have a positive impact on her work at the Ministry of Health.
“Frontline experience is invaluable, intangible and irreplaceable. I know firsthand what's going on in the districts.”
Coming back from deployment has also helped Vanessa cement her position as an interactive healthcare professional.
“It was really good to have that validation that I could still do it. When you are not in clinical work, people call you an ex-nurse. I say no, I'm not an ex-nurse, I'm still a nurse. I'm still registered. Just because I don't practice clinically doesn't mean I'm not a nurse. I just nurse from another direction. I look after the patients from an administrative perspective.”
Vanessa is encouraging young professionals to seriously consider deployments with the experience gained a potential career game changer.
“It’s a great program. You stay current with your registration and you’re sharpening your skills, while traveling and seeing different parts of the state,” said Vanessa.
