Staff in focus: Meet our Care Navigation Team

Tina Clark, Care Navigation Manager

With Queensland Country for 5 years

How long have you been a Registered Nurse? 21 years Do you have a particular area of nursing you prefer? I specialised in Neuro Surgical nursing early in my career, but my passion remains in Aged Care especially Dementia Care.

What do you like most about the Care Navigation program? The opportunity to reach out to our Members in their most vulnerable times post hospitalisation and offer assistance in their recovery.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Contacting Members and having the privilege of being part of their recovery journey. Receiving feedback that they are close to or fully recovered from their procedure and that we have made a difference is the most rewarding feeling. I also have an amazing team that I manage, which makes the management aspect of my job easy and enjoyable.

What is the most important part of health insurance? Having that peace of mind that I have a choice in my health partners, and that I am in control of my own health journey.

Do you have a hobby or activity you enjoy to do on your time off? I enjoy pottering in the garden and trying my hand at cooking delicious meals.

Favourite food or recipe you enjoy? I enjoy all cuisines and don’t really have a favourite. My Almond Shortbread Cookies are one of my favourite to cook, and are always popular for morning tea with work colleagues and family.

Sandra Jang, Care Coordinator

With Queensland Country for 3 years

How long have you been a Registered Nurse? I completed my Bachelor of Nursing in 2013 and have been nursing for 7.5 years.

Do you have a particular area of nursing you prefer? Nursing offers a wide range of areas to work in – I am really enjoying my current role as a Care Coordinator. It is a different model to ‘hands on’ nursing but equally rewarding.

What do you like most about the Care Navigation program? I like the flexibility of creating individualised programs to assist our Members.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Returning home after a hospital stay can be a daunting prospect and at times present some challenges. I find it extremely rewarding to be able to support our Members through this time.

Do you have a hobby or activity you enjoy to do on your time off? Bringing new life to an old Queenslander house keeps me busy on my time off – it is definitely a labour of love!

Barbara Turton, Care Coordinator

With Queensland Country for 3 years

How long have you been a Registered Nurse? I have been nursing since 2006. I started my nursing career as an EEN with Qld Health in Bundaberg then studied my Bachelor of Nursing at CQU part time and completed my degree in 2013.

Do you have a particular area of nursing you prefer? Palliative Care is an area of nursing that I find that gives me a sense of satisfaction. It is a privilege to support a patient and their family through their last days. However, I also like Medical and to be able to be part of a team that is able to assist a patient to ‘recover’ and return to their family and friends.

What do you like most about the Care Navigation program? I love that we work in a small team and we can all ‘bring something to the table’. Our thoughts and feelings are ‘listened to’.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most rewarding part is being able to assist a Member and their partner/family through a process/procedure to make their journey a lot less overwhelming and to be supportive in their needs. Talking to our Members that are really grateful of Care Navigation's support makes the job worthwhile.

What is the most important part of health insurance? Health Insurance allows you the privilege of accessing medical treatment when you need it. It is one less stress in your life when your health may be compromised.

Favourite food or recipe you enjoy? Love home made pizza’s, less is always best! I have been spoilt while recently travelling in Adelaide and surrounds, taste testing their amazing wines and cheeses.

Madeline Walsh, Care Coordinator

With Queensland Country for 9 months

How long have you been a Registered Nurse? (Bachelor’s degree 2009) 12 years, nursing for 21 years

Do you have a particular area of nursing you prefer? Cardiology, Cardiothoracic and Anaesthetic Nursing – Post Graduate Cert (UTAS) Anaesthetic & Recovery Nursing 2018

What do you like most about the Care Navigation program? Care Navigation facilitates a unique nursing experience for me. That is to walk the post-operative journey with patients. Particularly those patients with cardiac (heart) and chronic disease health issues. A patient often feels quite overwhelmed after a significant health event and even after life-saving surgery, the journey to complete recovery can be daunting.

I genuinely have the opportunity; through Care Navigation to provide support, education and most importantly help patients to understand how to move on, that they potentially can reclaim a quality life and be self-empowered. It’s an important part of the “whole picture” of recovery.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Assisting patients to reclaim their health to the best of their abilities.

Do you have a hobby or activity you enjoy doing in your time off? Sure do. Kayaking or anything to do with the water and gym work-outs. Bit of an art lover, live theatre, I attempt art myself for R&R– but it is not a ‘spectator sport’ so to speak. Love hanging with my kids and their families.