A day in the life of a Registered Nurse Consultant
This month, we shine a spotlight on estara staff member Kate Allan, to find out more about her role in the Quality Team as a Registered Nurse Consultant.
How long have you worked with estara?
8 months
Describe your job in 25 words.
Incredibly rewarding and satisfying, but also extremely busy and very stressful at times. I wear multiple hats in my role at estara which keeps me on my toes.
What are the top 3 things you must get done each day?
Check expiry/missing skills register for Support Workers and arrange e-learnings and training for them with me. Book in home visits and office visits for assessments.
Write the high-risk health care plans for clients, liaising with Drs, specialists and other allied health involved in client care.
Develop and run training, simulations, quizzes and resources for Support Workers in Adelaide and the regions (Eyre Peninsula, Mid North and Yorke Peninsula and the Riverland). My colleague Maria looks after the South East.
What’s something your team does really well together?
Our team are great at working together and helping each out when needed. My colleagues are always on hand to answer my million questions about computers (I’m a nurse remember!), processes at estara and how things are done. They are wonderful at talking me off the ledge when I occasionally feel overwhelmed by the workload. I could not get by without my team that is for sure.
What’s one thing on your desk you couldn’t live without?
Not actually on my desk but very close to it – I couldn’t live without my partner in crime, Master Moffatt. He answers my questions, helps me with saving documents and working out shortcuts on the laptop, and is always cheerful and willing to lend a hand.
What’s your favourite workday snack or coffee order?
I don’t really have a favourite, but obviously being a nurse I do love a coffee! My favourite is an oat milk latte. I also love that the People + Culture and Quality Team order lunch together once a week. We try out different cuisines and restaurants, and it makes for a nice break from home cooked/prepared foods and gives us a chance to have a chat and catch up over lunch. We also have a bowl of lollies that Ryan and I fill up which everyone in the office can enjoy.
What song best describes your workday rhythm?
Crazy Frog “Axel F” - never a dull moment in this role!
What are you reading/watching/listening to at the moment?
I’m mid-way through my Bachelor of Criminology which I have deferred for the time being, but I am a huge fan of true crime (hearing and reading about it, not doing it!).
I listen to podcasts, watch shows and read books about true crime all the time.
I’m also a big watcher of sports – my not-so-secret obsession is WWE (please don’t judge me!) and I also love watching triathlons, athletics, swimming, anything except golf, hockey and soccer for me.
What’s the best part of working at estara?
The team! Everyone has been so friendly and helpful and there is a great energy in the office. Everyone has been very patient with me as I get used to this role. I also love that we have animals come into the office as well. It is so good for morale.
What do you like to do when you are not working?
I’m very fitness orientated. I’ve competed in Ironman and ultra events for many decades, but these days I stick to weight training and a walk/run every day before work.
Other than this, I love to drink good wine and enjoy good food and conversations with my friends and family.
I am a fairly simple creature.
What is your favourite holiday destination?
I went to Spain a few years ago and it was absolutely amazing. I adored Barcelona and Tarragona and could have stayed in Sitges for the rest of my life, drinking wine and eating cheese and patting the local stray cats.
Is there anything else you feel like sharing with us? Do you have any special talents? Have you got any facts about you that we might not believe?
No special talents that I can think of, but I do pride myself on being a kind person and try to live my life helping and being considerate of others. I donate a reasonable amount of my income to the RSPCA, Royal Flying Drs, Drs without Borders and the Zoo.
Thanks Kate! Look out next month for our next staff feature.