After more than 40 years in nursing, Amanda Henshaw knows that learning never stops, especially when you’re caring for patients in a rural setting.
Amanda was recently awarded a Wound Care Scholarship through the Australian College of Nursing, giving her the opportunity to attend an intensive two-day, face-to-face training program in Melbourne.
“It was an amazing experience,” she said.
“Any chance to upskill and refresh your knowledge is valuable, but it’s especially important when you’re working in a rural hospital.”
Based at Monto Hospital, Amanda says advanced skills are essential when support isn’t always close at hand.
“Out here, you don’t have anyone to call after hours,” she explained.
“We do have great support from Bundaberg, but that’s during business hours.”
In addition to her work at the hospital, Amanda also supports chronic wound care, working alongside a local GP to help manage complex and ongoing needs.
Since completing the course, Amanda has already seen the benefits translate directly into practice.
“My skills have been put straight to use,” she said.
“Staff have been calling on me for advice, asking, ‘What would you do?’”
While Amanda has completed wound care training in the past, she says the course was a valuable refresher and an important way to stay current.
“You find out if there’s anything new out there,” she said.
“It’s about making sure our patients are receiving best-practice care.”
For Amanda, the biggest reward has been seeing improved outcomes for patients.
“It’s so good knowing we can offer the highest quality care,” she said.
“You can really see the difference it makes and the patients are telling us that too.”