We love getting to know you, both on a professional and personal level! What makes you tick, the simple that make you smile, and all that you enjoy about your job.
Basically, we love hearing about what makes you, YOU!
Today we spent some time with Jason Collins, and he let us in on his nursing career and personal life.
1. Current Role:
Registered Nurse – Mental Health speciality
2. Location:
Gold Coast, Queensland
3. How long have you been working in your profession?
I started working as an AIN (Assistant in Nursing) in 2008 and have worked in hospitals ever since.
4. What surprised you the most today or has there been anything that happened out of the ordinary today?
I found out a lot of my collectable cards have doubled in value over the last few months; been able to sell a few on Facebook!
5. What is the last book you read or favourite book of all time?
I read a lot and many books can be life changing, so it is a hard choice. I’m currently reading a historical fiction “Sword Song” by Bernard Cornwell, the fourth in “The Last Kingdom” recently popularised on Netflix. Would also strongly recommend “Sapiens/Homo Deus” by Yuval Noah Harari for the philosophically minded.
6. What is your most memorable moment in your entire career?
Graduating as a Registered Nurse.
7. What is your current favourite or last song you listened to?
“You are my Sunshine” is a favourite as my wife and I sing it to each other – its on our wedding rings!
8. Based on your experience and observation, name one thing that you think your profession is missing and one thing that it does astoundingly well?
Mental Health nurses with appropriate experience and training should be employed in the community to provide services under Medicare – there are nurses I know of that train GP’s, run prominent university courses – but can’t bulk bill their services for psychological interventions. I think Mental Health nurses are very well equipped to support people experiencing crisis, have an incredible skill set, and make a huge difference in people’s lives.
9. On your days off, what do you like to do?
I study a lot, for my post graduate masters and for my own interests, both mental health and philosophy – there is so much reading to do. But I enjoy painting, playing the piano, and going on adventures with my wife.
10. What advice would you give to your younger self?
Everything works out, give things time and enjoy life as you go. Also buy collectable cards that are going to go up a lot more in value haha.
11. Knowing what you know now, would you still choose your current profession as a career?
Absolutely – I love my job and am expanding my qualifications further.
12. What advice would you give those looking to follow a similar career route?
Keep studying, keep reading widely. Have passion for what you are doing and always aim to improve. There is a lot to know even after you graduate.
13. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A high school teacher.
14. What do you enjoy the most about agency work?
I’ve been able to work on many more ward environments then I would have been able to do otherwise. It has significantly expanded the range of wards I would feel comfortable working in.
15. What advice would you give to someone looking to work with an agency?
Go for it – try as many wards as you can, see what you really enjoy doing. Aim to always make a good impression so people know who you are and want you to be there. Staff are usually very supportive when you work hard.
Thank you, Jason, for sharing your work and life with us!
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