Hoca Clinics

‘After 10 years of nursing in a variety of places, I think I’ve found an area I’d like to specialise in. The work that I do at HOCA is challenging and incredibly rewarding. In fact I’d have to say this is the best job yet that I’ve had in my career.

I came into oncology with limited experience in this specialist field, but HOCA has been very supportive. They enrolled me in their ‘Novice-to-Expert’ course, which is run internally by the educators at HOCA. This is one of the best professional development courses I’ve been to, perhaps because it is so targeted at improving specific clinical skills and building your confidence. HOCA knows what is expected of their nursing staff, and this accredited course is really efficient at preparing you for that. And the points that I’ve accrued from doing it can be used if I enrol in a Graduate Certificate in Oncology next year, which I’ve been considering.

I work at Chermside and occasionally Mater, and enjoy both clinics. The nursing teams are really good, and the support that we have from senior staff is great. The new purpose-built facility at Chermside is a pleasure to work in, and the patients frequently comment on the ‘tranquil’ environment. I think it helps many of them to know that they are receiving their treatment in an environment that has been totally geared towards them and their needs. And despite the serious nature of our work, we still manage to have some fun. That’s important, both for patients and staff.

While the progressive nature of this work is often challenging, I find the culture of continuous improvement at HOCA inspiring and positive. One of the areas of work that I really enjoy is educating patients, which gives them a level of empowerment. It is rewarding to see them responding positively to information, especially when they are in a situation where they often feel they have little control over what is happening to them. For most of them it is a difficult journey, and I’m a believer that education can make a real difference.

I’ll continue to build my knowledge and improve my skills while enjoying this specialist area of nursing, and see HOCA as the offering me the best environment in which to achieve that.’