IT’S not for everyone - working in the intense environment of the accident and emergency department of a big hospital, but registered nurse Matt Barr says he can’t imagine himself doing any other job but nursing.
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Mr Barr has just been announced by the hospital as its employee of the month for August, an award which Mr Barr says is unexpected and humbling.
Mr Barr is a nurse who carries out a number of procedures including inserting drips, and PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) lines and he’s got an amazing rapport with patients according Orange Health Service general manager Catherine Nowlan.
“Matt is wonderful at his job, and he has this little thing he does with his patients who may be anxious as he prepares for procedures where he asks them the name of the man in Waltzing Matilda.
“By the time they’ve gone through the words in their heads he’s finished the procedure,” she said.
Deputy director of nursing Mark Telford said Mr Barr is so accomplished at what he does, he is welcome on the wards where he helps nurses carry out procedures when he’s not required in the emergency department,” Mr Telford said.
“He actually goes round to the wards asking if he can help out - he goes the extra mile,” he said.
Mr Barr worked at busy Liverpool hospital when he first graduated, but then decided to take up a position in Orange in 2010 at the former base hospital site and was part of the team working through the transition to the new site.
He says he doesn’t see his role at work differently to any other jobs saying he’s not affected by the pressure.
“My father is a dairy farmer and I think I couldn’t do what he does,” he said.
“I just really enjoy working with patients,” Mr Barr said.
janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au