We're pleased to introduce our latest Health Hero Lucia Wadsworth whose role as a Child Health Nurse supports parents to grow and enhance the development of their children.
How long have you been with WBHHS?
23 years.
How do you describe what you do?
I have been working in Community Family Health as a Child Health Nurse since 2012 and I see our role as supporting parents to grow and enhance the development of their children. We focus on education and awareness of creating environments where children can become school ready.
The first 2000 days of a child's life (from conception to starting school) can shape the trajectory for the rest of their lives, so through providing support around nutrition, sleep, behaviour, development and knowing that learning can be fun, is so important.
Typically, my workday is providing one-on-one consultations with families through home visits, clinic and drop-in appointments, facilitating groups and hearing screens.
What's best about your job?
I enjoy the genuine and authentic connections that are made with the families you support and with your work colleagues. It's great to be working with a team that shares a similar purpose in helping families achieve the best outcomes for their family.
What was your path into health care?
This year I will have been a registered nurse for 40 years! I have always been interested in health and being fit enough to enjoy it, but I really just became a nurse because I wasn't sure what I wanted to do.
So I like to think nursing chose me when I have stayed for so long. I have always thought nursing is such a varied profession that you can constantly reinvent yourself.
I have worked remotely and in large tertiary hospitals, specialised in emergency nursing and nursing education but found my spot in Child Health as being very rewarding. Being able to support families with their children is such a privileged role.
What does being part of a team mean to you?
That you are never alone. With any position there are challenges but being able to share those challenges and having others that truly understand is so important. Also celebrating our little wins because we know how big an impact they can be.
When you're not at work, you are...
Walking my dog and at the beach - these are the moments that ground me.
What do you enjoy about living in Wide Bay?
Wide Bay is perfect in my opinion, whether it's swimming or snorkelling along our coastline to climbing one of our mountains. It offers everything with a gorgeous community environment.
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I feel like I know lots of trivia - and I'm also often told I have an incredible memory.
What song are you listening to most right now?
I recently discovered Rosalia - an interesting mix of modern and opera.