Meet Lauren

My Journey to Nursing

Growing up in Jindabyne, NSW, my dream was to become an Olympic snowboarder or coach. I had no intentions of going to university - all I wanted to do was chase the snow. That changed after multiple knee surgeries from competitive snowboarding and netball put me on the other side of healthcare as a patient.

I clearly remember one nurse who was allocated to my hospital bed for multiple shifts in a row. She appeared so tired, struggling with a student, too busy, needing to go home to her family. It was at that moment I decided I wanted to make this system better. I wanted to look after people when they're most vulnerable, be there for families in hard times, and be someone I would trust to look after my own family.

Off I went to uni (much to my parents' shock), completed a bridging course, and then my Bachelor of Nursing. There was nothing more I wanted to do or be.

My Experience

My background spans pre and post-surgical nursing including gynaecology, colorectal, urology, general surgery, orthopaedics and vascular. I also have significant experience in GP clinics, palliative care, community nursing, residential aged care facilities and dementia care.

Every day is different, every day you learn something else. Being a lifelong learner is at the heart of good nursing.

The Hard Times

COVID was a particularly challenging time in the health industry and cast a shadow over my nursing career. Managing a residential aged care facility during the crisis was one of the hardest things I've done. It was scary, it was sad, it was chaotic. We got yelled at and ridiculed, only because people were scared. Yet we were scared ourselves.

But as a nurse, we care no matter who you are. We put our patients and families first. It doesn't matter what culture, what beliefs, what point of life people are in. We treat everyone equally and care for everyone the same.

At that point, I didn't want to be a nurse ever again. Then we moved to Agnes Water, and I realised there's nowhere else I want to be and nowhere else I'd rather be nursing.

The Heart Behind the Mission

Working in general practice on the Discovery Coast, I saw where services were lacking. Too many people were falling through the cracks of our healthcare system. Too many families were overwhelmed. Too many seniors felt forgotten, with no chance to stay at home during the times they needed support most.

I realised the answer wasn't just in medicine. It was in connection and being here in the community, helping those who deserve the best care right where they feel safest: at home.

Being able to advocate for an elderly person to stay at home safely is so important. Ensuring the person and their family have the services to make ageing in place possible - that's what drives me every day.

Life Outside Nursing

You'll soon see I love a chat! I love talking with my patients to make them feel as comfortable as possible during vulnerable times. I'll strike up a conversation on anything and everything - I love hearing everyone's stories!

Outside of nursing, I love the outdoors, being with my three girls and husband, horse riding, fishing, and anything adventurous. I'm actively involved in Captain Creek Pony Club, Agnes Water Active Riders, Discovery Coast Dance, and Discovery Christian College. After more than two years working with Dr. Jackson and Shore Care Family Practice, I know this community well.

I love the rapport I build with my clients. Most of us share the same appreciation for this beautiful area, the same carefree outlook, and the same values. Being able to help people remain in their homes, surrounded by the beauty we all love, is incredibly fulfilling.

There really is No Place Like Home.