Boorowa Welcomes New Nurses

Three new nurses joined Boorowa Health Service in February and are settling in well, enjoying the support of the local team.

IMAGE: Olivia Mills

Olivia Mills, First Year Registered Nurse, MLHD Transition to Professional Practice Program
Olivia grew up in Bathurst and travelled overseas after school before joining the Navy. Olivia completed her Bachelor of Nursing at Charles Sturt University while working as an Assistant in Nursing in a Residential Aged Care Facility.

Olivia is excited about the opportunities in rural nursing. “I have enjoyed my first few weeks in Boorowa. Everyone is eager to help me and I have settled in nicely,” she said. Olivia’s goal is to work in the Emergency Department and is keen to learn as much as she can during this first year of her career.

IMAGE: Lumen Tarun

Lumen Tarun, Registered Nurse
Lumen is from the Philippines where she worked in a large Emergency Department.  Gaining her nursing qualifications in 2012, Lumen migrated to Australia because of the opportunity for professional growth. She feels there is more opportunity in a small facility like Boorowa that empowers Registered Nurses to be strong, independent clinicians and she is keen to learn about all areas of healthcare and expand her knowledge and skills.

Lumen says while the experience has been challenging, she is enjoying learning new processes and equipment, enabling her to fulfil the role of senior Registered Nurse. Her first priority is the safety of the patient and her team. “The team are very welcoming and supportive. From the first time meeting members of the community, to working with the team, everyone is happy to chat, and support my learning needs,” she said.

Lumen’s goal is to become an independent clinician and plans to stay in Boorowa long-term. Lumen does not have any family in Australia but has friends who work in Griffith and Perth who encouraged her to make this career journey. 

IMAGE: Chloe Hocking

Chloe Hocking, 2nd year Registered Nurse, MLHD Transition to Rural Nursing Program
Chloe, from Castle Hill, previously worked in aged care in Pendle Hill and the Blue Mountains. Chloe has also been an active member of the Rural Fire Service as a first aid medic and as an Event Medic at music and sporting festivals.

Chloe had a rural placement during her university studies and really enjoyed the experience. Chloe says she loved the rural setting and feels it provides a varied and challenging experience that promotes critical thinking.

Chloe was looking for a 2nd year program when she came across the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) rural transition advertisement and was surprised and excited when notified she was successful. “I really enjoyed the two-day orientation program in Wagga, and enjoy working in MLHD. It is an amazing place to work with the new graduate program.” Chloe is loving being here and feels she has settled in quickly. Chloe had not heard of a Multipurpose Service before and has found the staff and residents at Boorowa very welcoming and already feels part of the team. She is looking forward to gaining new skills and working in the hospital environment.

Chloe likes to work in a team and hopes to become an autonomous clinician. She aspires to eventually completing a Master’s degree.

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