Fern – Nurse

Fern has been an integral part of the Kialla Medical Clinic team for the past six years. A dedicated professional, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as a Registered Nurse. Fern is a proud graduate of Deakin University and has further enhanced her expertise with a Post Graduate Diploma in Primary Care Nursing from Melbourne University. As a mother of three, she balances her demanding career with her family life, demonstrating her ability to manage multiple responsibilities with grace and efficiency.

Fern describes her job as her “happy place,” a testament to her passion for nursing and her commitment to her patients. Her workday is dynamic and varied, reflecting the diverse needs of the patients she serves. From managing child immunizations and vaccine clinics to providing comfort to a bereaved widow, Fern handles each situation with empathy and professionalism. Her role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including complex wound management, infection control, assisting GPs during procedures, maintaining the Cold Chain, ordering medical stock, and managing chronic diseases.

What Fern finds most rewarding about her role in practice nursing is the opportunity to accompany patients on their health journeys over time. She values the chance to educate and encourage her patients, empowering them to make informed health decisions once they leave the clinic. This aspect of her work allows her to build meaningful relationships with her patients, understanding their individual circumstances and providing care without judgment.

Beyond her nursing career, Fern is deeply involved in her local community as a Councillor for Greater Shepparton. This role keeps her connected to community issues and allows her to contribute positively to the environment that shapes the health and well-being of its residents. Fern believes that our surroundings significantly influence our health outcomes, and she is committed to optimizing these environments to help individuals achieve their full health potential.

Fern’s dual roles as a nurse and a community leader highlight her dedication to service and her belief in the power of proactive health management. Her professional and personal endeavors are driven by a desire to see her community thrive, making her a valued member of both the Kialla Medical Clinic and the Greater Shepparton area. Her holistic approach to health, both in clinical and community settings, ensures that she not only treats medical conditions but also fosters environments that promote overall well-being.