Guyra MPS has been playing host over the last couple of weeks to first year nursing student Kerry Rologas from the University of New England at Armidale. It’s an experience which he has enjoyed, particularly the chance to transfer some of the skills he has learnt in the classroom into practice.

Nursing represents a shift in career for Kerry who had previously spent 10 years working in a managerial position for Telstra. “I really like dealing with people and was spurred on by the nursing shortage to make the change,” he said.

The stint at Guyra is the first of many practical placements he will undertake while studying for his nursing degree.

“There are some things you need to experience first hand,” he said. “Working here has opened my eyes to exactly how a hospital works. Seeing the interaction between the staff and patients is really interesting.”

Being a smaller hospital has also meant that Kerry has been exposed to a wider range of experiences than might have been possible in bigger facilities. Some of the other students he has spoken to have been involved in only basic care of patients and he appreciated the hands on approach he has had at Guyra.

Nurse Judy Grills has taken on the supervisory role with many students over the years and says that Kerry is a good learner. “He is enthusiastic and listens to instructions,” she said. “It is a pleasure to work with someone who is so willing to learn.”

While unsure of his future plans at the moment he is leaning towards either working in accident and emergency or oncology.

“With oncology you get a chance to go on a journey with the patient,” Kerry said. “You get to experience the highs as well as the lows. In accident and emergency the appeal lies in the unknown, the adrenaline rush and working under pressure. ”

Kerry has enjoyed his time at Guyra and will miss the patients and staff.