Practice nurse Alec El-achrafi has been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic for the past four months, supporting patients through their COVID vaccinations and testing at Campbelltown GP Respiratory Clinic. He says his best days are those where every patient leaves the clinic happy with the care they’ve received and in a better condition than when they entered.
How long have you been a practice nurse and how long have you been working in the LGA you currently work in?
I have been a nurse in Dr Dong’s respiratory clinic for four months and I have spent the same amount of time working in the Campbelltown LGA.
When/why did you decide to pursue a career in nursing and specifically in primary care?
I decided to pursue a career in nursing because I’ve always loved the idea of being able to help people. As to why I chose to be in primary care, it’s very intriguing hearing the different stories and situations which come through the door and you never know what you may contribute to someone’s day.
Tell us about the role of nurses in primary care
The day-to-day role at the moment is very consistent. It’s all about making sure you provide care to a patient in any way possible, whether it be through COVID vaccinations, COVID testing and even just listening to a patient’s current situation and showing them empathy or offering advice when asked. I think as nurses we are able to complement the role of a GP by helping with all the little things. For example, seeing the asymptomatic patients while doing COVID testing so doctors are able to spend extra time with patients who require it. By doing this, it makes what we do as team become much more efficient and helps everyone work together during these tough times to ensure we provide the best care for our patients.
What do you love about nursing/what do you find most fulfilling about your role?
What I love most about nursing is knowing even the smallest aspect of care can completely change a patient’s day and sometimes even life. Understanding a patient’s situation and being able to help them through whatever it is they require is one of the most fulfilling parts of the nursing role.
What is your biggest challenge as a PN and how do you overcome this?
One of the toughest challenges would be the language barrier with some patients. When someone comes into the clinic and they are from a non-English speaking background it is hard to explain to them what you are doing and what is happening. It’s definitely a great learning moment when you find a way to communicate which works for both you and the patient ensuring they receive the required care.
Tell me about your ideal work day?
My ideal work day would be knowing when I leave at the end of the day, I have provided the best care possible. This ensures every patient leaves the clinic happy with the care we provide and in a better condition than when they entered.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I enjoy going on adventures with family and friends. One of the main things I love to do is go fishing with friends. Even if we don’t catch anything I know as long as we are all together and laughing it’s going to be a good day.
Do you have any role models and why?
I have a few role models I look up to at the moment. One of the main ones would be Dr Dong Hua. He is very hard working and supportive. The way he runs the medical centre and clinics is amazing. He always allows everyone to work as a team and express themselves how they wish. I always know when I come in to work it’s going to be a good day and that is very important in an environment where you spend most of your time. Some of the other role models would be Dr Richard Nguyen, Dr Allison Thorn and Dr Migie Lee as I know they are always willing to help with anything you require whether it be asking for assistance with a patient, needing an answer to a question or even just having a friendly conversation. It’s a great working environment and all these people contribute so much to ensure everything operates smoothly.
How do you help educate your patients about maintaining good health?
One of the main ways I help educate patients at the moment would be explaining to them the side effects and risks of receiving a COVID vaccine. It is very helpful advice to give to patients especially when discussing how the benefits outweigh the risk and helping people understand the vaccine is a great way to help people in these tough times to find a way back to regular life.