Kudzai

Kudzai is a registered nurse working on Ward 5A at Perth Children's Hospital.

Why did you choose a career in nursing?

Throughout my practice, I saw how patients are the centre of all decision making. Working with the patient and their family and the multidisciplinary team, displaying genuine care and empathy altered my perspective and led me to a career working with young people.

I take pride in my ability to build positive therapeutic rapport and provide the best care to my patients.

Tell us about how you got this role

I applied for the graduate program specifically for mental health in CAMHS.

What are the best bits about working here?

• Working with a diverse environment that is inclusive and provides equal opportunities of all cultures and backgrounds.
• Developing meaningful therapeutic relationship based on trust, acceptance, understanding and empowering young people to identifying effective means of managing their own thoughts and feelings.
• Working closely with a supportive multidisciplinary team to providing the best safe outcome for young people undergoing treatment.
• Engaging in professional development such as study days and having ongoing training and support from the staff development team.
• Being given the opportunity to study a funded graduate certificate in Clinical Mental Health Nursing with ECU during my CAMHS graduate program.

What are the most challenging parts about working here?

• Working with adolescents who are risk takers and trying to navigate different dynamics on the ward that can influence the young people's behaviour.
• Caring for young people with trauma and understanding different cultural and religious needs of children and their families.
• Risk management of children undergoing mental health treatment and dealing with various demands of each young person.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a nurse?

• Safely delivering care for young people and being part of their recovering journey.
• Spending quality time with children engaging in fun activities, providing emotional support and building a positive therapeutic rapport with young people and their families.
• Every day is different and you are faced with various challenges and you are well supported by the team.
• The recovery of the young people is fulfilling and it empowers you to keep striving.