Mothers and babies are in safe hands when they enter the Parent Infant Unit (PIU).
Any apprehension of being an inpatient on the secure mental health ward soon evaporates when they are greeted by Nurse Carol’s warm smile.
With 34 years of nursing experience and one of the first nurses to earn the ‘Circle of Security’ professional development training, Carol is described by her colleagues as a true inspiration and mentor on the 5-bed ward caring for parents and babies.
Carol explained the ‘Circle of Security’; “To promote secure, healthy attachment between parents and infants, the parents provide the safe, secure hands. The baby can leave the ‘circle’ and return, but if their parent is overwhelmed the secure attachment can breakdown and may need help to be repaired. We talk about not needing to be a perfect parent but a good enough parent to our children.
“We can see very anxious and depressed mums who may be suffering extended periods of sleep deprivation.”
Nurse Shereen Jose praised Carol when nominating her for this Be Your Best story. “She has always been a true inspiration and mentor with her positivity and hard work. We are lucky to have her,” she said.
“She works selflessly as a full-time nurse and juggles her personal life and career with a smile.”
Carol said having some lived experience gives you the required empathy for the work.
“We’ve got a great team with varied skills and expertise that provide the support those in our care need,” she said.
Part of Carol’s success is the support she receives. “It’s a friendly place to work and we are supportive of each other. I’ve had different challenges and they’ve supported me like a family.”
Carol’s career started in general nursing care before transferring to children’s for a change of scene following the death of her mother from cancer.
“I found I really loved it and stayed for over 10 years,” she said.
After having her own children, she found herself in Bendigo. “It’s a friendly place to live, it’s been great to raise children and it’s just easy living. It’s been easy to make friends and feel part of a community and I can’t see myself leaving,” she said.
“I really love my work and the people I meet. I feel privileged to be able to help them each day.”
If you want to be your best with us, visit https://bendigohealth.mercury.com.au/
Read more Be Your Best stories at https://bendigohealth.org.au/beyourbest