Grafton Nursing Life :: A Day in the Life of Mark Rodgers

Mark Rodgers, RN
Children and Adolescent Ward
Grafton Base Hospital

I’ve been working at Grafton Base Hospital (GBH) as a Registered Nurse (RN) since 2004 when I did my post-grad year here. My group was the first group to be employed by the hospital - new graduates at GBH don’t go through the Consortium anymore.

I’m from Glen Innes originally, but moved here in 1996 to train as a Trainee Enrolled Nurse. I finished my training and got heaps of casual work, and then I moved to Dubbo to study for my RNs. I came back to Grafton because I knew from experience what a great place Grafton Base Hospital was to work at, and also because I wanted to raise my kids here. I was offered my post-grad position on a permanent part time basis which was nice as it gave me the flexibility I wanted between family and work. I always had the opportunity to pick up extra shifts if I wanted.

I like living in Grafton as I’m a real outdoors person. It’s close to the beach and national parks and there are heaps of opportunities for aquatic sports. The schools here are great; my son loves it and there is a good balance between the emphasis on academic and sporting achievement.

I’ve been working in the Children & Adolescent ward since 2004 and I’m really happy here. The staff are supportive and mentor the new nurses and their diverse range and spectrum of knowledge and experience is outstanding.  We have a lot of fun, and quality of care delivered is always exceptional.

I’m encouraged to further my education and skills, and there are so many opportunities made available to me with a range of in-services and courses. In the future I am looking to do a Child and Adolescent Mental Health course to help consolidate my skills and improve my nursing practice and management is very supportive of this. I love my job, it’s very fulfilling