Registered nurse, Registered midwife, ICU Cert., Post grad cert Oncology, Post grad cert Communication in Cancer Nursing and Palliative Care.

When she joined ARV Christine already had more than 30 years of clinical managerial nursing experience including ICU, Nurse Educator and Nursing Unit Manager roles in surgical, oncology, haematology nursing and extensive palliative care contexts.  Christine saw ARV as a “progressive, dynamic organisation”.

“ARV had shown a commitment to Palliative care with a dedicated committee, a Palliative Care strategic plan and the establishment of a short Palliative Care course for RNs and Care staff,” she says.

“Palliative care is undertaken by a team.  Over the years, ARV has recruited the key team members – doctors, nurses, allied health therapists, chaplains, volunteers - I enjoy building relationships with all these departments.”

“There is a strong ‘can do’ attitude. ARV listens to good ideas and acts on them where possible.”

Christine’s role has been to develop a program to implement the guidelines for a Palliative Approach in Aged Care. She says, “This has included new technology for better management of symptoms and staff education to ensure best practice in palliative care.”

“I’ve worked with other committed professionals, and developed partnerships with academics with a view to publishing and presenting the Palliative Care Program to peers.”

“This is a great place for a nurse, especially with post-grad qualifications. It is a caring organisation but one that offers financial incentives, career development and an opportunity to broaden clinical and management skills.”