Country nursing for Notre Dame graduate

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Summer 4-2-2005

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame, Fremantle Campus

Publication Place

Fremantle

Abstract

The University of Notre Dame Australia’s nursing graduate and former Chisholm Catholic student Mariko Hauge, has taken up the position of an emergency nurse in country Western Australia.

Ms Hauge decided to relocate to the coastal town of Dongara to be with her fiancé. She has always had a keen interest in rural health ever since completing her practicum whilst studying at Notre Dame.

“We were given the opportunity to do a country placement at University and I was able to go to Geraldton. It really appealed to me and ever since then I’ve always wanted to work in the country,” she said.

On completion of her degree Ms Hague worked at Royal Perth Hospital and applied for a second year program in Emergency. She also worked regular shifts at Geraldton Regional Hospital, whilst still at Royal Perth Hospital.

Ms Hauge said, “I chose to work in emergency as I knew that it would be an area of demand in the country.”

When asked of the challenges that faced her in working in a country hospital Ms Hague explained how relying on your own judgement is crucial.

“I’m working in a small country hospital at the moment and while there is a doctor on duty during the day and Saturday mornings, if you are working a night or weekend shift you will be on your own”.

“In the case of an emergency your clinical and assessment skills must be second-to-none as you need to ascertain the best treatment for your patient and decide whether the services of a doctor, an additional nurse or another hospital are necessary,” she said.

For media related information contact: The Media Office, University of Notre Dame, Direct line: 08 9433 0698, Mobile: 0408 959 138, Email: media@nd.edu.au

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