Meet our latest health hero, Acting Clinical Nurse Consultant / Project for Mental Health Lyn Wilson who has found her passion in mental health care.
How long have you been with WBHHS?
19 months
How do you describe what you do?
I provide clinical consultancy across Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Mental Health Services that is specifically relevant to the speciallty of mental health patient flow.
I facilitate and coordinate patient flow by maintaining close links with Nurse Unit Managers, Team Leaders, and Clinical Nurse Consultants across the service to facilitate and improve patient flow coordination.
A knowledge and commitment to quality processes, including policies, guidelines and evidence-based practice, is required as part of this role. This includes developing a clear communication tool that can eventually be extended to after hours and weekends.
What’s best about your job?
The role is dynamic and complex and will continue to evolve as the population continues to grow.
With an extensive history in emergency and forensic mental health nursing, and having worked in other health services, this has helped me in developing and fulfilling my responsibilities which has assisted in improved communication with the overall Wide Bay patient flow team.
Building collegial relationships with other mental health patient flow coordinators across the state has been a positive experience and an effective resource that can be beneficial and reciprocated when sending or bringing consumers back home.
What was your path into health care?
I completed my undergraduate degree as a comprehensive nurse in New Zealand. Initially I thought I’d like to be a midwife or NICU nurse, however after completing a mental health placement, I realised I found my passion! My chosen journey specializing in Mental Health began in forensic nursing then onto emergency psychiatric services.
I spent a few years in Private Mental Health as a clinical nurse consultant and covering team leader positions upon arrival to Queensland where I continued my journey in mental health nursing.
What does being part of a team mean to you?
Teamwork is paramount in any setting, especially when working in mental health. Having a work family who you support and who supports you, adds a bright light to each and every day.
Having a trusted team to rely on is a significant factor, not only in the safety of yourself and other staff but which is imperative for our Mental Health consumers.
When you’re not at work, you are…
I’m either chilling or planning, and taking part in our never-ending build on a few acres of paradise.
What do you enjoy about living in Wide Bay?
It’s the amazing people I have met along with the real friendships that have developed and will remain lifelong. The weather is also a great factor and being close to the coast.
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I have been known to be a bit of a ‘Funstar’ and am lucky enough to have always had a positive outlook on life.
What song are you listening to most right now?
Joey by Concrete Blonde.