Meet the Team | Continence Nurse Joanne

St Jude’s is very pleased to welcome Joanne Lane to the team. Joanne is a Registered Nurse who will be providing Continence Nursing to St Jude’s clients. Joanne will be a highly valued member of the Allied Health team. To help you get to know Joanne, we’ve asked her some questions about her career so far, and what it has been like starting at St Jude’s. To make a Covid safe booking with Joanne, please email hello@stjudes.com.au 

What made you decide to work as a Registered Nurse/ Continence Nurse?

I like to make a difference in people’s lives no matter how big or small. Nursing as a profession can offer many opportunities for this to happen. There are many chances in helping to improve the wellbeing of people in all walks of life. It is also a source of challenges and rewards. From mental health and aged care to rehabilitation and midwifery, there are many areas where I can make a positive impact. In my case, I have chosen aged care. I am very passionate about the care of the aged. I would greatly like to ensure that the aged get to live their lives to the fullest. Recently, I have the opportunity to work for St Jude’s Disability Services as a Continence Nurse. I am looking forward to working with the Disability Services Allied Health Team, and providing support and care to people to be more independent and confident in their abilities.

What is the highlight of working as a Registered Nurse/ Continence Nurse for you?

There are numerous highlights I have had during my nursing career so far. These are just a few:

  • It is heart-warming when residents come in for the first time, often very unsure and anxious, finally come out of their shell and enjoy life.
  • The opportunity to make a difference, no matter how small, in the day of the life of our resident.
  • It is good to see the residents and their families feeling safe and contented.
  • It is satisfying having someone with dementia being able to remember my name. Being able to hear from them and that they’re comfortable or they enjoyed something.
  • It is the good vibes. It is the occasions when someone tells me that they like me there, that they appreciate my compassion and that I champion for them.

As I say, I like the aged. I find them fascinating and there is a great deal of joy from caring for them.
As I start my work with St Jude’s, I look forward to offering my skills and specialties. At present, I also look forward to working in disability services. I am sure that I will be able to contribute positively to peoples’ lives as a Continence Nurse.

Can you share an achievement you’ve experienced in your career?

Becoming a Registered Nurse is a great achievement to start with coming from other professions. Children’s Librarian, Biochemist and Carer to name a few. Now, being able to be a Continence Nurse is yet another achievement to I look forward to pursuing with St Jude’s Disability Services.

What is something you have enjoyed about working at St Jude’s so far?

So far, I appreciate the great help and support of the whole team at St Jude’s.

Can you provide a snapshot into what a day at work looks like for you?

This is my third year as a Registered Nurse and what I found is that no two days are the same. I like this job of being able to make a difference in peoples’ lives. Here is what a day looks like:

  • 0450 – wake up and get ready for work.
  • 0700 – handover and update on all the residents from yesterday. Ensure to attend to urgent matters. Meet with the other care staff and update on tasks at hand. Catch up on notes from the previous day and attend to all matters.
  • 0800 – morning rounds i.e., see residents as much as possible and make sure care is being always given with respect and dignity.
  • 1300 – rest and lunch and at the same time catch up with each other.
  • 1400 – ensure all work logs are cleared for the next shift.
  • 1515 – knock-off time.

This is a typical day, and it can get hectic if new admissions are expected and if a fall eventuates at the same time. This is not uncommon.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself: 

Reading is my number one way of spending my spare time (if any). Gardening is my other passion and at the same time listening to music played loud enough so my beloved plants can hear them too. I spend most of my spare time in the garden (if not reading). Just follow the music if you want to find me. I do have a home gym that I use when I am not busy with the other two spare time occupations.

To work with Joanne or speak with our Allied Health team, contact us on (08) 9279 4343 or email hello@stjudes.com.au.

You can also fill out the referral form below should you be interested in our services.