Benjamin Marion is a graduate registered nurse based at the Royal Hobart Hospital
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing?
Prior to my career as a nurse, I pursued a science degree. During that time, I found that while I enjoyed learning the science, it was not a career I could imagine myself doing. It was when I began working in customer-oriented jobs where I found that I loved interacting with people and helping them in any way I could. From there, I would say it was only natural that I gravitated towards a career in nursing as it allows me to combine the best of both.
2. How does your first year as a grad compare to what you had expected?
I initially felt confident when I found that I had a position in the emergency department. As I got closer to my start date though I found myself feeling quite anxious and apprehensive. I expected it to be an exceedingly difficult and demanding role that I might not be ready for.
I am glad to say that I have managed to survive so far, and that things were not nearly as bad as I thought they would be and have managed to get paediatrics certified and pass my ALS. I owe a lot of that to my colleagues and the education staff who have been so kind, knowledgeable and understanding.
3. What’s been the most memorable experience so far?
It was early on into my grad year when I met a patient who had been recently diagnosed with pretty severe cancer. They had just moved to Tassie from interstate to be closer to family as they had a vastly reduced expected lifespan
I didn’t look after them for very long, maybe a few hours, but I still vividly remember the conversations I had with them. The optimism, hope and positive attitude they radiated in spite of everything inspired me greatly. I didn’t do much for this patient, but they still remember me and are always willing to strike up a chat when we run into each other outside the hospital. It really is surprising how much of a positive impact you can have even though small encounters.
4. What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a new grad?
I would say task prioritisation, closely followed by time management. The emergency department is such a dynamic work environment where you always have tasks, many important, that are constantly competing for your attention. Understanding which tasks take precedence in a certain moment of time has easily been the greatest challenge so far.
That said, I have really enjoyed that aspect, and it has done so much to improve my own practice. There is a lot to learn from those experiences, especially in regard to communication, escalation and clinical reasoning skills.
5. What’s your go-to snack for staying energised during a busy shift?
I’ve found a busy shift is usually energising enough. My go-to snack though would have to be a protein bar and some kind of energy drink. I usually don’t feel too hungry during my shift though, so this is normally enough to get me through until lunch or the rest of the day.
6. How do you unwind after a long day at work?
Exercising either at the gym or going for a run has been a great way to reset after my shift and leave the stress of work behind. It gives me the time to reflect on my day to work through any troubles or challenges I might have had while releasing tension at the same time.
I also have two very affectionate dogs at home who always manage to find a way to lift my mood.
7. What advice would you give to nursing students or those about to graduate?
The two most important skills to focus on and develop, especially early into your career, will be task prioritisation and communication. Many of the tasks you think are important and time-pressing, probably aren’t. Or at least, not as much as you think they are.
So, hone your clinical reasoning and judgement so that you can better assign task priority, but be wary about your presumptions and accept that you may be wrong.
The entire job revolves around your ability to build interpersonal relationships across a broad spectrum of people. Try to develop a positive, professional demeanour no matter what circumstance you are confronted with. So, choose to have fun and enjoy your work, everything else will follow.
