After spending five years in the far north, Anne Scully has expanded her skills and expertise as an educator. Recently, she has transitioned to the Clinical Excellence Unit at Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS), where her focus is now on providing training in rural facilities within the region, following her previous tenure with the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service.
Partner Trevor Wall has also joined her at Mackay Base Hospital (MBH) as the maintenance coordinator for BEMS.
Driven by a passion for adventure, the couple decided to depart from Mackay after dedicating 25 years of service at the Mater Hospital and Base Hospital, heading north to begin a new chapter of their career on Thursday Island.
“Trevor had been up there on a variety bash and was just so impressed by the beauty of Thursday Island,” Anne said, “so when the role of nurse educator was advertised, I jumped at it and we dragged the two boats up north.
“I really grew as an educator working there. I had to work autonomously and was the sole nurse educator but was supported by co-educators for the outer islands,” Anne said.
“I was planning and delivering multiple education programs in the 26-bed hospital as well as all the mandatory and specialised training.
“It was a blessing really as it was a great chance to grow my skills as an educator, but it’s not for everyone.
While registered nurses (RNs) are the backbone of healthcare, nurse educators are the foundation, she said.
Anne takes great pride in instilling in new nurses a better understanding of the healthcare system and their patient’s needs.
She’s looking forward to “jumping in” and supporting the education needs of staff at rural MHHS facilities including Clermont, Moranbah, Bowen, Proserpine and Sarina.
It was the warm community welcome upon arriving in Mackay in 1990 that enticed her to stay and raise her family here. She felt the same coming back to Mackay earlier this year.
“We are back now to be good grandparents. The place has changed but the people are the same,” Anne said.
“Now I’m back, it’s wonderful to see so many of my former nursing students and how they have really grown into their varied nursing careers.”
Treasured healthcare educator, Anne Scully returns to Mackay after gaining experience in rural facilities within the region. Image Sourced
