20 Oct Amanda is back on the road doing what she loves

Caption: TDHS Community Health Nurse and Women’s Health Nurse Amanda Nash

Timboon and District Healthcare Service (TDHS) Community Health Nurse Amanda Nash was all smiles behind her mask and shield yesterday when she ventured out into the community for the first time in months to do what she loves the most.

Ms Nash visited Nullawarre Primary School to deliver one of her many health education programs in the community. COVID-19 had put a halt to her work in the community and she admitted to being quite excited and a bit nervous when she left the car park (pictured).

“COVID-19 turned my role upside down, as it did many people in our community. I haven’t been able to do what I normally do and I’ve missed it terribly,” she said.

“As our Community Health Nurse I go into the community to facilitate programs, do group work, conduct health promotions, educate young people in schools and work on the front line in preventative health.

“With the restrictions we’ve all had, none of that work in the community was possible, so to be hitting the road again to visit a school was so wonderful.”

Ms Nash trained as a nurse and worked on the ward in a more traditional role, and as a midwife, before the opportunity came up 24 years ago to nurse in the community.

“I love working in community health, for my community, in my own backyard – it’s where I feel I can do a lot of good and I find it very rewarding,” she said.

“I’m a registered immuniser, so a lot of people know me from getting their flu shots and that role will be even more important next year when hopefully we have a vaccine for COVID-19.

“I also work with people in the community who have chronic diseases to help them get the most out of themselves through health coaching and lifestyle tips et cetera.

“I enjoy working right across the lifespan from expectant parents, to new parents and children in kindergarten and right through their school lives where I talk to them about health and human development and things like safe partying and sexual decision making.”

Through her role Ms Nash was able to complete additional training in sexual and reproductive health to work as a Women’s Health Nurse – delivering cervical screening and women’s health services to the community.

Her wide range of skills has also paved the way for another passion – volunteering overseas to help less fortunate countries with community and women’s health.

She has volunteered on health teams in Nepal three times, as well as the Solomon Islands and Fiji and was scheduled to return to Fiji this year before the worldwide pandemic.

To make an appointment with Amanda Nash, please call 5558 6000.

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This story is our 10th monthly instalment to help mark 2020 the Year of the Nurse and Midwife.  The whole series can be found here https://www.timboonhealthcare.com.au/category/year-of-the-nurse/

Nurses make up a significant proportion of our workforce and TDHS would not be able to run without their dedication, skill and compassionate care. We are very excited to be celebrating their valuable contributions throughout the year. We hope you join us in recognising and thanking our nurses.