Introduce yourself and tell us what you do for a job?
I’m Jack, a 23-year-old nurse currently working in a coronary care unit (CCU). A CCU is a specialist cardiology unit that looks after patients following a myocardial infarction (heart attack). We also look after more general cardiology patients, such as people suffering from heart failure, arrhythmias and other issues. Outside of work I’m also a combat medical technician with the army reserves, an active member of the New Zealand Society for Mountain Medicine and just about finished with my postgraduate diploma in nursing, as well as being involved with Inspiring the Future.
What brings you joy in your job?
I love working in a specialist area such as a CCU, it’s a pleasure to be able to develop clinically in a unit that is very supportive of education and has such a variety of interesting cardiology patients. Naturally it’s incredibly rewarding looking after patients over their entire admission and seeing them discharged home safe with the great outpatient support offered by our fantastic CNSs (clinical nurse specialists). I also love the variety of the work – some days you may be looking after a very sick patient and really using your clinical skills, and other days you may be offering a cup of tea to an anxious patient who just needs some support.
Why did you want to be an Inspiring the Future role model?
Growing up I knew I wanted to work in health care, but had no idea what nursing involved or that it was even an opportunity for a man. I’m hoping to open up nursing as an option for both men and women, and also show tamariki what contemporary nursing entails, as I believe the public view of what a nurse does is very outdated.
Did you face any challenges to get where you are now?
Well, nursing is very rewarding, but there are unfortunately a lot of lows. The conditions can be incredibly challenging at times and you see a side of humanity and mortality that a lot of people who don’t work in health care are very sheltered from. While challenging, I also consider this a privilege and am incredibly grateful to work in a role that has had such a positive impact on my outlook on life and what is genuinely important.