Following career moves which included a law degree and roles in hospitality and disability support, Maddison Locantro has found a place to call home as a nurse at Nepean Hospital.
Nepean Hospital new graduate nurse, Maddison Locantro
The new graduate nurse says her previous role as an assistant in nursing and current role as a registered nurse have ignited a passion for health care.
“I love that this job gives me the chance to interact with people, help them and brighten their day,” says Maddison.
“Most patients don’t have visitors and often the staff are the only people they see, so I like having a chat with them, making sure that they’re okay and seeing them improve on their journey.”
While nursing can be challenging, Maddison says it’s the opportunity to provide quality patient care and improve a person’s experience that keeps her motivated in the role.
“Many people come here when they’re at their worst, so you want to come to work and give one hundred per cent to make sure you’re helping your patients.”
When it came to selecting where she would work as a new graduate registered nurse, Maddison says she leapt at the chance to join the team at Nepean Hospital.
“Nepean Hospital is an amazing place to work. Every single placement I’ve had here, I’ve loved. I feel really supported by the nurses here.”
“As a new graduate, our Clinical Nurse Educator always comes past to make sure we’re okay and our buddy nurses always make sure we feel supported on our shifts. It’s nice to have people we can lean on to help, especially on a busy ward,” says Maddison.
Maddison’s upcoming nursing rotations include a surgical ward, anaesthetics and cardiology, but she says she’s most excited by the chance to one day be part of the nursing team at Nepean Hospital’s emergency department.
“I had a placement at Nepean’s emergency department and absolutely loved it. I love the turnover in emergency care and how fast-paced it is. There’s also opportunities for nurses to be more hands on and apply their skills.”
With the goal of eventually becoming a nurse educator, no matter what her career has in store, Maddison says she’s thrilled to be nursing at Nepean Hospital.
“I feel that it’s a really nice environment to be in. You’re not just a number. Everyone knows your name and you’re treated really well by your colleagues and peers.”
