Clinical Resource Nurse Dora Mansbridge presented the project ‘Delirium Delimmas’ at the Best Care for Older People (BCOP) Nursing Projects Showcase. 89357 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By VANESSA VALENZUELA
DORA Mansbridge knows the value of sticking by someone’s side when they are going through a tough time.
The Clinical Resource Nurse at Western Health has more than 20 years’ experience in nursing where she focused on caring for the elderly and those with a terminal illness.
Ms Mansbridge said she decided to become a nurse because she enjoyed working with staff and students.
She feels she learns from others every day in what is an emotional but rewarding experience.
“We get the chance to find out a lot more about people,” Ms Mansbridge said.
“We are privileged to be here at the end of their lives.”
Ms Mansbridge said it is important to provide older patients with care and treatment so they can make their peace with what is going on around them.
“Sometimes patients can’t talk to their families or don’t have families to talk to,” she said.
“If we can make it more comfortable for them, then we are doing our job.”
Ms Mansbridge is one of five nurses at Western Health who presented at the Best Care for Older People (BCOP) Nursing Projects Showcase last week.
The showcase celebrated achievements of nursing champions who for the last eight months have led the implementation of projects focused on improving care for older people across the organisation.
On an average day at Western Health, 70 per cent of admitted patients are aged 65 years and older.
Research indicates that up to half of these older patients will experience functional decline during their hospital stay.
Only 50 per cent of elderly patients will recover three months after discharge.
The showcase encouraged staff from different wards and campuses to discuss professional development activities that can build a better response to the needs of older people in hospital settings.
