We're excited to introduce Rhys Adams, Nurse Unit Manager for our new Medical Ward 3. Rhys recently relocated from Brisbane to Hervey Bay, where he's spent the past few months setting up the new medical ward and getting to know his team. With years of experience in nursing, Rhys is passionate about delivering high-quality patient care and fostering a supportive environment for both patients and staff. We’re excited to see the positive impact he’ll make in our community as he leads our new ward.
Tell us a little about your background and how you came to nursing?
I wasn't 100% sure what I wanted to do coming out of school. I originally started studying a completely different course, before taking a break from university and trying my hand at a few different jobs. I always felt that I was looking for a career where I could be helping people, and someone said, "why not nursing?". I did some research and found myself back at university soon after!
What are some of the most rewarding experiences you've had in your nursing career so far?
There is a long list of rewarding experiences in my nursing career so far, whether it be specific patients that I have cared for, or specific situations I have found myself in.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was part of the Emergency Operations Centre for my previous workplace. I was involved in setting up testing facilities for patients and staff, setting up COVID wards at short notice, procuring additional patient care equipment, sourcing personal protective equipment (PPE) and developing RAT test distribution processes. Whilst it was a challenging time for healthcare, it was a great opportunity for me to work with people from different roles and be flexible and adaptable to the constant changing situation.
You’ve moved from a metro hospital. What prompted this change, and what excites you about joining a regional team?
I'd been interested in moving to Hervey Bay for a few years but hadn't quite found the right opening to make the move. I was really excited to apply for the Medical Ward 3 Nurse Unit Manager position, particularly for the opportunity to be involved in the commissioning and operationalisation of a brand-new ward and to build the nursing team and culture.
As you take on the role of Nurse Unit Manager, what are your main priorities for the ward?
Getting into the new building and working in the space will be a huge milestone for our team. It has been really rewarding to see the excitement on the team's faces during walkthroughs. We will be prioritising setting up our local processes to ensure we are giving the nursing team the right tools to be a successful, high performing unit.
What is your vision for patient care in this ward, and how do you hope to contribute to it?
I am passionate in building a strong and streamlined multidisciplinary team approach to providing high quality patient care. I hope that I can provide the leadership, direction and determination to have the whole team working as one to ensure our patients are getting the right care at the right time.
What preparation activities are currently underway for the new medical ward?
We are currently in the final stages of operational commissioning, which is super exciting! Seeing all the fittings and fixtures being installed is really transforming the area into a functioning ward area. Seeing months of work coming together for the final push to opening day makes me incredibly proud to be a part of.
What’s one thing you want your colleagues to know about you as you begin this new role?
If I look lost, I probably am!
I am approachable, I am keen to hear new ideas and want to make a difference.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
"In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity."
What are you enjoying most about our beautiful Fraser Coast region so far?
The lifestyle change moving to the Fraser Coast cannot be understated. My travel time to and from work has been cut by about an hour, which gives me more time to spend with my wife and one-year-old daughter. Nothing is too far away, and we are enjoying the sense of community of the Hervey Bay area. We are so lucky to live in a region where we have such amazing coastline so close by.
Finally, how do you maintain your health?
Besides running around after a one-year-old, you will find me out and about enjoying the parkland, beaches and walking trails with my wife, daughter and our dog, Hugo.