Practice nurse Miray Mater El-Ahmad has worked in the Bankstown LGA for a bit more than two years. As an eight-year-old, she vividly remembered nurses caring for her ill grandmother and supporting her mother and herself. Miray decided then that she wanted to give that care, support and love to others.
How long have you been a practice nurse and how long have you been working in the Bankstown LGA?
I’ve been working as a practice nurse in the Bankstown LGA for two years and three months. After I finished my bachelor’s degree in nursing at the Australian Catholic University, North Sydney, I worked as a new graduate at Liverpool Hospital.
When/Why did you decide to pursue a career in nursing and specifically in primary care?
In Year 12, I envisioned myself as a paediatric nurse while I was completing my design and technology project. I then made the decision to enrol in university and complete the Bachelor of Nursing. When my grandma was diagnosed with cancer when I was eight years old, I decided to also pursue this career because I have a vivid memory of nurses always being by her side, supporting her and my mother through difficult times. I wanted to give in return that care, support, empathy and love.
I find primary care much easier to learn and provide proper support to patients, unlike hospitals which are too fast paced, making it difficult to offer full attention to patients going through a difficult time.
Tell us about the role of nurses in primary care.
The role of a nurse in primary care is to assist the doctor in charge within their scope of practice.
My roles as a primary nurse includes blood tests, wound dressings, immunisations for all ages, ECGs, ordering vaccines, having responsibility with the vaccine refrigerator, triage nursing, vital signs, completing immunisation catch-up plans, and speaking to patients about their concerns, and providing support, empathy and comfort. I also complete CPD hours, complete vaccination record cards for healthcare workers and students, communicate, discuss and alert the doctor in charge about patient concerns. I’m involved in the PHN three-monthly model for improvement, and assist the doctor in emergencies and ISBAR handover to paramedics, checking the emergency trolley, documenting on a patient’s file and completing patient care plans.
What do you love about nursing / what do you find most fulfilling about your role?
I love nursing because it gives me gratification to support and help those in need. Seeing patients recovering is an achievement. When you make an acquaintance of your patients, the general practice becomes like a family. I treat everyone how I would like my family and loved ones to be treated when they require care and support. I love seeing a patient’s face light up when they see me, especially the elderly. It is such a privilege to have patients praising and thanking God for helping them recover.
What is your ideal work day?
My ideal workday is providing all patients with the best care possible, seeing patients recovering well and patients constantly showing their appreciation for the care I provide.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
My hobbies include reading books, going to the gym, ice skating, bike riding, playing the piano, swimming, dancing, and arts and crafts.
Do you have any role models and why?
My role model is the doctor I work for. He is absolutely amazing with his patients, full of hope, encouragement, caring, empathy. He is professional, reliable, smart and patient. He is the reason I would like to study to become a nurse practitioner in the future. He does everything to the best of his ability to help his patients. I find him different to other doctors. Running a general practice with nearly 4,000 active patients is an inspiration.
How do you help educate your patients about maintaining good health?
I always inform patients how important it is to exercise and eat well. I conduct a physical activity assessment, discuss the results with the patient, and offer suggestions for diet and exercise to keep them active. I remind patients how important it is to maintain good health to reduce the likelihood of contracting new illnesses and the likelihood of already diagnosed illnesses becoming worse.