Francis Nicolas, registered nurse: It’s like a beehive and we are a solider of bees working for the safety of the community.
My name is Francis. I am a registered nurse from RPA Hospital.
So, as I’m walking into work, I always think that I’m blessed and very proud to be part of Sydney’s and Australia’s first virtual hospital. So, virtual hospital is a 24/7 personalised care and sits in between the RPA hospital itself and the community. We link them altogether in one and we provide personalised service with registered nurses and clinicians. No matter where a patient is, we can look after them. It’s not like any other hospital.
We treat a wide variety of different illnesses. When COVID arrived, it made sense that rpavirtual would be made involved.
Joanne is isolating in the community with her partner. I need to check basic vital signs and check as well if there’s any deterioration.
If the patient is looking weak or if the patient is looking dehydrated, we assess that as well.
Being in isolation can be hard. Some celebrations cannot be pursued, but we were able to sing to Joanne and celebrate with her virtually.
We get to know patients day by day, we build a connection.
I was a nurse in the Philippines and then I migrated here as a carer for my grandmother in Australia.
She passed away when she was 94. I always look back on my grandmother because I know that is my strength. That’s why I became a nurse.
I’m proud to be a nurse because I found my purpose in nursing. I want to serve the community and I want to continue to do it…virtually.