Physiotherapists play such an essential role in the care of the patient within the Intensive Care Unit. On today's episode, I speak with Samantha Hagan. Sam was one of the first physio's I worked with as I started as a new grad nurse within ICU. Over those first few months I learnt an incredible amount from Sam. From the specific recruitment manoeu…

Now that we've gone over the Modes & Settings, let's start talking about some of the most common alarms, what they mean, and what we could do about them as registered nurses. There is one alarm in particular, Peak Pressure (High Airway Pressures), that has the potential to lead to an airway emergency. I outline a systematic approach to assess the s…

Now you might notice, due to turning down the level of sedation, the patient may start to take a few more spontaneous breaths on their own. This is where Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV), another type of mode, comes into it. In today's episode, I detail the setting of Pressure Support; and mention at what stage we may switch the patient from a 'R…

Welcome back to another episode of the New Grad Radio podcast! Let's continue on with another episode on Mechanical Ventilation. As I mention in the episode, there are two broad concepts when considering modes - do we have full control and not wanting the patient to breath for themselves; or is that the intention, to allow the patient to take spont…

If you've had a look at the ventilator in action, you'll notice there are numbers that remain fixed, and that there are numbers that seem to change from breath to breath. This is because there are particular settings that we mandatorily 'set' for the ventilator to deliver to the patient; whilst then we monitor the section to see what the actual pat…

Welcome back to another episode of the New Grad Radio podcast. This episode serves as the first of many to come, highlighting the foundational concepts of Mechanical Ventilation. As I mention, I am not an expert. But I know what it's like to have started as a grad two years ago, having never seen a ventilator, nor a patient requiring mechanical ven…

Welcome back to Part 2 on a two-part segment on Blood Gases. In this episode I highlight a basic, systematic approach to analysing a blood gas, including a discussion on ‘normal’ values, a process of contacting the doctors, and speak on some nursing interventions. As I mention in the episode, this is a topic you could cover for HOURS, but I really …

Weclome back to another episodes of the New Grad Radio podcast. This is Part 1, of a two-part series on the fundamentals of Blood Gases.On today's episodes, I describe:- What is a Blood Gas- How to collect a Blood Gas- How to Run a Blood Gas- Differences between Venous and Arterial samples- What information does a Blood Gas provide.I hope you enjoy…

In this episode, I break down the absolute basics of central lines. In particular I mentioned the features; talk over the purpose of the 'lumens'; and speak of some particular nursing considerations.

Welcome to the first fundamental episode for season 3. Today, i'm going to be discussing Arterial Lines.Within the episode, I will break down:- What is an arterial line- The purpose of the arterial line- Components- Nursing Considerations- TroubleshootingHere are a few resources that you might find useful:- A NSW Training Package on a few of the co…

I am proud to be an intensive care nurse. I absolutely loved starting my career within this setting. However I can only imagine the apprehension of the clinicians who are currently being rapidly 'up-skilled', in order to provide assistance to intensive care unit's across Australia, as we brace during this time period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over …

Welcome to the FINAL episode of the New Grad Radio podcast. It has been an absolute privilege to document my journey with you all over the past two years. Thank you so very much for following my progress. You have experienced the nerves of starting; hearing what I struggled with, what I found exciting, difficult, and new. Each step of the way, you …

Well, yesterday was my final shift within the Intensive Care Unit. I knew it was going to be an emotional day. Knowing this was the last day, within the unit where I started my career. But as you’ll hear, I couldn’t have had a more pleasurable, or validating experience to finish my time in the unit.

We are incredibly fortunate as registered nurses to work within a profession that can offer so much diversity. Whether you’re working in critical care areas such as intensive care, or emergency; in the operating theatre; on a cruise ship; in a prison; in rural and remote areas; as an educator; and the list can go on and on. There is one area of nur…

Starting off as a registered nurse is a daunting experience, for a variety of reasons. Over the last two years, i’d like to think i’ve shared many of my own first hand experiences of these challenges with you. A particular area, that I struggled with, and I find a lot of graduate nurses struggle with, is understanding how to work with doctors. Now …

With 3 weeks left to go, I’ve started to be allocated into more resus shifts. In today’s episode, I outline why I’ve been enjoying my time in this area, and break down an actual patient presentation to highlight what it is we actually do day-to-day.

Welcome back to another episode of the New Grad Radio podcast! November 19th marks International Men’s Day. In celebration, I interview Luke Yokota. Luke is a third year RN, and a fellow ICU nurse. Luke is the driving force behind the ‘Men in Nursing’ campaign through the Australian College of Nursing (ACN). Luke has also recently been nominated fo…

A few weeks prior to leaving for my previous military nursing course, I commenced one day a week back into the ICU I worked in last year. In today’s episode, I detail my experiences of working in both areas, and provide some of my thoughts of some of the challenges, and positives, of working in ICU and ED.…

Welcome back to another episode of the New Grad Radio podcast! What an incredible few weeks it’s been; I’ve recently returned from another 3 week military course. This time, it was specific to Nursing Officers. In today’s episode, I detail my experiences from the course, and briefly mention some facts about military nursing, in order to demystify w…

In today’s episode, I talk about my recent experience of working for the first time within the Resus area of the Emergency Department. I detail what happened on the day; along with mentioning a few similarities to acute and ICU, as well as why I’m thankful it’s been 9 months before heading into this area.…

As I watch nursing students currently apply for their graduate nursing programs, I reflect on just how stressful of a time it actually was. Finishing assignments, whilst on student placement, working on the side, and now applying applications - my goodness it can all feel a bit much. In this episode, I talk about my own experiences of applying for …

I thought I’d make a short follow-up episode to last year’s episode, of how I prepare for night shifts. This week I’ve had three shifts in a a row (making this episode on shift 3); a 12 hour day, 12 hour night and an 8 hour night. I’ll go over what I did before each shift; what I ate, and how I get through these nights.…

This is an action packed episode! Whilst it’s a bit lengthy, I detail my experiences of being a buddy to my first ever student nurse last year within the ICU; I talk about how I start each shift with a buddy nurse; some real specifics of why I do particular things with students to maximise their learning; and a lot more!…

Welcome back to another episode of the New Grad Radio podcast. I’ve just returned from an incredible three and a half weeks away, where I completed Officer Training at the Royal Military College in Canberra. In this episode, I talk about my experiences during the course, and share an insight in what will be coming next.…

Welcome Back to another episode of the New Grad podcast! Today is Thank a Paramedic Day! In today’s episode I talk about: the education of paramedics at university; a major difference between nursing and Paramedicine; a few things that paramedics are wizards at (I could have included so much more); the Handover process; and how we as Emergency nurs…

Welcome Back to another episode of the New Grad Radio podcast! In today’s episode, I reflect on the past two shifts I’ve had; and outline why it’s important to treat each shift as a new opportunity to learn.

Welcome Back to another episode of the New Grad Radio Podcast. In today’s episode I provide an update of how I’ve been going, in particular, regarding time management. As you’ve been hearing, the transition from ICU to ED certainly hasn’t been easy; but as you’ll hear in this episode, I found my perspective has changed, with my time management skil…

Welcome Back to another episode of the New Grad Radio podcast! In today’s episode I talk about my experiences of working in Ambulatory Care. It’s a second of ED that is very much like a mini GP office. It has individual assessment rooms; and is for lower acuity patients. But as you’ll hear, there are certain highlights, and challenges of working in…

Good morning everyone, and welcome back to another episode of the New Grad Radio podcast. Thought I’d make a quick episode on how I approach each shift. What am I looking at, and what do I find helpful. Have a great day!

Welcome back to another episode of the New Grad Radio podcast! As you can probably tell by my voice in today’s episode, I have a cold. But as I mention, it’s the first one I’ve had in the last year and a half.

Hello, and welcome back to another episode of the New Grad Radio podcast. For years, we study for exams, work on assignments, and attend pracs and tutorials at uni. Even last year, starting as a grad nurse, I was also completing formal assignments and workbooks as part of a transition program. In today’s episode I talk about my feelings of no longe…

Welcome back to another episode of the New Grad Radio Podcast! It’s been a little while since I made an episode, whereby I provide an update on my own journey of working in the Emergency Department. I’m currently finishing off a two-week holiday. In this episode, I talk about some of the challenges I’ve faced, that I’ve only felt I’ve overcome in t…

Welcome back to another episode of the New Grad Radio Podcast! This evening I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr Pauline Calleja. Dr Calleja is a Senior Lecturer, and Director of Post Graduate Nursing and Infection Prevention & Control programs at Griffith University.It was incredible to hear Pauline's journey; starting as a graduate nurse in a s…

Welcome back to another episode of the New Grad Radio Podcast! The other day, I had a valid question from one of my students. Only moments prior to my arrival, he had already recorded vital signs for all of my patients. Yet, he was confused as to why I prioritised a repeat set, and a full head to toe on one of my trauma patients. In today’s episode…

Welcome back to another episode of the New Grad Radio Podcast! In celebration of International Day of the Midwife, I interview Charlotte Stephenson. Charlotte graduated with a double degree in Nursing/Midwifery, and currently works as a Registered Midwife in Australia.The role of a registered midwife, takes these professionals further than the birt…

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY!!! Welcome back to another episode of the New Grad Radio Podcast. In celebration of International Nurses Day, I chat with an incredible paediatric nurse, hailing all the way from the United Kingdom, Lauren Philpott. Lauren is the Author of 'Being a Nurse: From Graduation to Revalidation', a book aimed at providing a r…

In celebration of International Nurses Day (12/05), this week i'll be interviewing three incredible nurses, to highlight their careers, achievements and journeys. In today's episode, I speak with Christine Hicks. Christine is about to finish her Graduate Nursing Program, commencing her career directly into a Major Trauma Centre's Neonatal Intensive…

This week, we celebrate international day of the midwife (05/05) and international nurses day (12/05). This week, I’ll be releasing three episodes, whereby I’ll be highlighting the achievements and journeys of three incredible nurses. These include: Christine Hicks (NICU 🇺🇸), Charlotte Stephenson (Midwife 🇦🇺) and Lauren Philpott (RN & Author 🇬🇧).…

In today’s episode, I go over the most common patient and family complaints/concerns; and go over how I personally resolve these using real strategies.

Ever wondered what equipment is in each acute bed space? In today’s episode, I talk through exactly what is in each acute bed space, from the monitoring, to the layout of the room; even what’s in each drawer.

Welcome back to another episode of the New Grad Radio podcast. In today’s episode, I’ll be talking about my first experience of responding as part of the Rapid Response Team. I’ll go over what this team does, who makes up the team, and what my role is as an emergency nurse as part of the RRT.

ALS, or Advanced Life Support, is an essential piece of training that most Australian nurses will undergo throughout their careers. In today’s episode, I break down what ALS is, what the training day involved, and what I’m able to do, within the Emergency Department, now that I’ve competed the training.…

Following on from the previous episode on what I have loved about starting in ED; today, I’ll be going over a few of the things I have noticed to be immediately different regarding the switch to the Emergency Department. Again, I absolutely love my job as a Registered Nurse; and I’d say a few of these are just acute reactions to the very big transi…

Welcome back to another episode of the New Grad Radio Podcast. In today’s episode, I talk about the different areas that encompass the ED that I work in. I also quickly highlight what happens in each area, and what my role entails as a Registered Nurse. Remember each ED is different; a metro major trauma centre will be different in regards to resou…

Welcome back to the New Grad Radio podcast. In this episode, I talk about my experiences so far of mental health within the Emergency Department. This is predominantly an outline of how these patients progress through the ED, from prehospital setting, all the way through to the ward. It allay be a little long-winded, but I really wanted to re-empha…

Welcome back to another episode of the New Grad Radio Podcast. It is with my pleasure that I introduce my first special guest to be on the podcast: Hannah Cotterell. After completing our university together, Hannah was accepted into a prestigious graduate program into the Emergency Department at one of Australia's leading children's hospitals.In th…

Welcome to Season 2. In today’s episode, I start by going over some of the many reasons I have loved the move to the Emergency Department. I have done this by breaking it down into three headings: Skills, Exposure and Processes. By no means is this list exhaustive, but I feel it’s a pretty accurate start.…

Welcome back to another episode of the New Grad Radio Podcast. As you know, I’ve recently made the transition from the ICU, to the Emergency Department. Through the second season, I hope to paint a picture of what it’s actually like to work in this area of nursing. Not only will I be doing that through sharing my own experiences, but I’ll be bringi…

Well everyone, after twelve months, and 102 episodes, this is the final episode of the New Grad Radio Podcast. In this episode I reflect on why I started the podcast, and how I intended this to be a resource for others long into the future. I also share what my next big venture will be once I return from holidays. Thank you so much for listening al…

Over the duration of this year, I’ve had the pleasure to work with some of the most incredible doctors. Saying that, I found it fairly nerve-wracking to communicate with the doctors when first starting. In this episode I break down some of the different types of doctors I work with on a day-to-day basis; and provide some specific examples and tips …