Meet Rebecca Smith, Clinical Nurse Manager at Justice Health and Wellbeing and Corrective Services.
Oh and don’t forget about Indi – Bec’s very happy furbaby enjoying a dip in the ocean! Let’s ask Bec some questions…
What are your professional interests/specialities?
Med/Surg by trade, I’ve worked with all stages of life from neonates in Special Care Nursery right through to the elderly and end-of-life care.
My passion lies in rural health. I’m committed to improving Aboriginal health outcomes and contributing to increasing services in the bush.
Tell us, where are you from and how did you get to be a Clinical Nurse Manager in the Pilbara region?
Beginning my career at Fiona Stanley Hospital, I couldn’t resist the invitation to the Pilbara. It all began with 3-week leave cover in Paediatrics at Hedland Health Campus. As soon as I returned to Perth, I knew this is where I wanted to be and about 3 months later, I was behind the wheel with my 4-legged passengers heading north. I fell into management by helping cover the Nurse Manager’s leave and eventually became the Nurse Manager of Inpatients, where I would happily have stayed if not for meeting someone in Karratha. The Nurse Manager position at the prison came up around the same time he was trying to convince me to move down and the rest is history!
What do you love about the Pilbara?
Everything! The weather, the breathtaking landscapes, the thunderstorms, the sunsets, the fishing, the lifestyle and the friendly people. Even the red dirt!
Did you always want to be a Nurse Manager? Why?
I always had an interest in nursing but didn’t commit to studying until later in life. Before that, I was in Human Resources. I never planned to be in management – I just wanted to help out! And I definitely never thought I’d work in a prison, but I actually love it.
What are your passions?
Workwise, definitely health promotion – education and empowerment are the top two factors in improving health outcomes. Lucky for me, I have a captive audience to work with now! Outside work, I guess I’m passionate about the outdoors! Diving would be my top hobby but I’m also obsessed with my lawn lol!
When you aren’t working, where will we find you?
If I’m not in the garden, I’ll be in the water – diving, snorkeling, fishing, cruising around the islands… or just hanging out with my bluey, Indi. I also can’t say no to live music!
