Karen Cabacungan has been working as a practice nurse in Macquarie Fields for six years.
As a proud Filipino she is always ready to advocate for her community and work with them on their health journey.
How long have you been a practice nurse and how long have you been practising in South Western Sydney?
I have been a practice nurse for more than six years. I started at My Doctors Medical Centre in 2019, and this is my first role as a practice nurse in South Western Sydney.
When/why did you decide to pursue a career in nursing and specifically in primary care?
I became a registered nurse in the Philippines in 2010. I have always loved helping people, especially those in need. I worked in Saudi Arabia for three years in a paediatric ward, which made me love caring for children. When I moved to Australia, I chose primary care because I wanted to continue helping individuals and families in the community.
Tell us about the role of nurses in primary care.
Nurses in primary care play an important role in patient education, health promotion, chronic disease management and health assessments. We support doctors, provide preventive care and help patients understand how to manage their health better.
What do you love about nursing/what do you find most fulfilling about your role?
Nursing is my passion. I feel happy coming to work every day. I enjoy helping patients and seeing them improve their health. Working with supportive colleagues and good doctors also makes my role more fulfilling.
Tell me about your ideal work day?
My ideal work day is when the clinic runs smoothly. It is calm, organised and productive. I feel satisfied when I know I have helped patients and made a difference in their day.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I attend webinars to learn more and improve my skills. I also enjoy relaxing at a coffee shop with my favourite skim mocha and almond croissant.
What do you love most about South Western Sydney?
I love the supportive community in South Western Sydney. The people are helpful and welcoming. I especially appreciate the support we receive for accreditation and clinic development.
What motivates you to work in our region?
It is very close to my home, which helps me balance work and family life. I also enjoy working daytime hours so I can spend time with my two children.
Do you have any role models and why?
My role models are my fellow Filipino nurses. They are hardworking, dedicated and passionate about their profession. I am proud to be part of that community.
How do you help educate your patients about maintaining good health?
I focus on health promotion and prevention. I explain things in simple terms and give practical advice about diet, exercise, screenings and lifestyle changes. My goal is to help patients understand their health and feel confident in managing it.
