Nurses of QENDO
By Team QENDO
Nurses, Midwives and healthcare professionals all play a special role in the lives of those who have a chronic health condition. On this International Nurses Day, and Year of the Nurse and Midwife, we at QENDO thought it would only be right to shine a spotlight on some of the amazing nurses, midwives and student nurses we have volunteering with us at QENDO. As well as take a moment to share the gratitude our QENDO community have for all of the nurses and midwives who have been there for them throughout various seasons of their lives.
“Thank you for making me feel less terrified and upset at my situation.
”
Dannielle, Blog Coordinator, Support Coordinator & Theatre Nurse
Dannielle works so hard full time as a nurse, yet so generously gives so much of herself, not only volunteering in one position with QENDO, but two.
She has “always loved a healthy mix of blood and guts, and hand holding”, which is why she absolutely loves being a theatre nurse.
“Being a nurse means dispensing kind words, comfort, and education, just as often as medications. As nurses we can be advocates for a patient. We are by their side in the best and worst of times”.
“Thank you for your compassion.
”
Zoey, EndoSister & Student Nurse
Zoey is in her second year of nursing and is a valued part of our EndoSister Team.
What led her to nursing was that she had a few health conditions and seeing all the nurses look after her so well, and them having so many qualities that she wanted to possess. As well as her cousin having suffered from cancer at just two and a half years old, despite this, he is still alive today.
“Nursing to me means someone that is able to prove support to anyone at anytime, without a fuss. It’s not about the guts and the glory or about sticking needles in someone, it’s about being able to care for someone, showing empathy and letting them know that you will always do what’s right for them”.
“Thank you for giving me an extra lemonade when I was discharged. ”
Ceri, EndoSister & Registered Nurse
Ceri is one of our highly involved Melbourne EndoSisters, sometimes travelling an hour and a half to attend our QENDOMeets and provide support to others.
She became a nurse because she loves caring for others, and after she got sick, she knew nursing was for her. She couldn’t sit back and not help, especially when she knows how women in pain are often treated.
“I’m there for people in their most terrifying and scary moments of their life, as well as moments of great joy.”
She’s a big believer of small actions meaning everything, such as “bringing someone a cup of tea, holding their hand or even just helping someone to put on their shoes. It all matters, and means something. It’s a privilege to be involved in these moments”.
Ceri absolutely loves her job and makes it her miss that every student she precepts “knows how important pain management is”. Her goal is to change the way the next generation of chronic pain warriors are treated.
“Kindness, patience, listening and actually hearing my issues and being empathetic to my concerns.
”
Bel, Healthcare Practitioner Liaison & Sexual Health Nurse
Bel is an important part of the QENDO Team, liaising with many of the health clinics, professionals and programs which we work with. She is passionate about providing education and knowledge to others.
She has always been interested in the human body, even from a young age, which led her to nursing.
Bel says “The reward of helping somebody heal is unexplainable, and that’s why I love nursing”.
“Thank you, thank you and thank you again! Words can’t even begin to describe how thankful I am.
”
Maddie, Melbourne QENDOMeet Coordinator & Student Nurse
Maddie joined our team earlier this year to assist in facilitating our Melbourne QENDOMeets. She is eager and keen to support those in need at our events.
She finds anatomy and the human body so interesting, and it’s complexity just blows her mind.
“I’ve always been good with people, talking to them, comforting them, and I really enjoy caring for others.”
Maddie can’t wait to graduate at the end of the year and says “to care for others in their most vulnerable times is so special and I really love it”.
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Nurses have always comforted me during my laparoscopies when I had to stay overnight.
”
Isabella, Secretary & Student Nurse
Isabella is an integral part of the QENDO management team, at the forefront of the organisation and assisting with the the day to day running of QENDO.
She wants others not to have to go through what she did, with respect to her endo and adeno experience and is passionate about assisting people to receive the care they deserve.
“I have always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and be there to help them when they’re in need” and this is what led her to nursing.
Isabella enjoys the problem solving and reasoning, and hands on nature of nursing. “Being able to identify a problem and then work together within a team to improve someone’s condition is so rewarding”.
“Thank you for believing my pain and not thinking it was all in my head.”
Jess, Sunshine Coast Education Coordinator & Registered Nurse (and currently a Midwifery Student)
Jess helps to facilitate education sessions on the Sunshine Coast, working with a range of practitioners to promote endo, adeno, PCOS and infertility education, awareness and support.
What led Jess to be a nurse, she says is that she “really wanted to help people and make a difference, as corny as that sounds”.
“Being a nurse is incredibly rewarding, we get to see people at possibly the worst time in their life and try make a difference.”
She loves that when she goes to work, she gets to listen and provide care. Jess talks about the feeling of “seeing someone improve, go home and be genuinely grateful for your efforts” and how indescribably good that feels.
“I wouldn’t even know where to start, but thank you.”
Angelica, General Volunteer & Student Nurse
Angelica can be found lending a hand at one of our many face to face events, from set up to pack down, and in between, Angelica is there helping out.
She wants to be a nurse because of the joy and comfort it brings when she is able to assist the patient in the healing process, and relieve them from worry or concern.
“I have always grown up around nurse figures and have always enjoyed learning little bits and bobs from an early age”.
Angelica talks about when her Grandma was sick and how she believes helping her on that journey made her feel content and at peace “My family and I worked together to ensure she was comfortable and pain free".
"I have been in situations where healthcare workers have not had the best interest of their patients or residents at heart” and this is what kick started her urge to study nursing, this passion to do better for those who are vulnerable and need some extra support.
