Meet Elana, who is completing her qualifications as a paramedic. With her empathy for all people, and desire to impact their lives, she is making a difference by providing her patients with safe, sympathetic, non-judgemental care during what can often be challenging times.
At NNT, we want to acknowledge the incredible contribution these people make to our communities, the challenges they face and the essential work they do, every single day.
Q.Tell us about your journey to become a Paramedic?
A.When I left high school, I knew I wanted to help people and make a difference in their lives, no matter how small or short the time I spent with them. That, and my passion for human anatomy and physiology, led me to study paramedicine. I spent 4 years studying with over 300 hours of placement across the state to finish my degree. Still wanting to develop my practice further whilst waiting for a job, I took additional courses in non-emergency transport and advanced first aid. I worked two different jobs in the non-emergency sector to gain valuable experience with patients and the healthcare system and to contribute to the increased demand on the system during the pandemic. I was then offered a job with the ambulance service in my state. With the service, I'm halfway through my 2-year graduate course which provides me with a supportive learning environment to refine my clinical skills whilst helping the community. Once completed, I will be a qualified paramedic and can practice by myself.
Q. How do you balance your career with everyday life?
A. I'm still learning how to balance everything; sometimes I overextend myself and end up tired but I'm only human. I've accepted that I can't be perfect, I can't always fit everything in, but I can make the most of things I end up doing. I prioritise my sleep and make the most of my downtime, so I enjoy my time away and I'm physically, mentally and emotionally rested and prepared to give my all at work. I find planning self-care into my schedule allows me to dedicate time to check in on and nurture myself, which is so important in a job where I give my all to others in need of help.
Q. What motivates you?
A. I'm motivated by knowing I’ve made a positive impact on someone's day and/or life, particularly when I see them on a day that's life-changing or difficult for them. The genuine appreciation of my care and the time I get from patients or their families keeps me going.
Q. What challenges do you face and how do you overcome them?
A. I'm often challenged by not knowing the outcome of the patient I’ve gotten to know and help once I've transferred them onto definitive care. Particularly with our time with patients at the hospital extending, you can get to know people quite well and I'm left wondering how they've gotten on. I work through this by knowing that whilst in my care, I've given my all to their care and facilitated the chance to improve via access to more advanced care from my colleagues in the healthcare system.
Q. What do you think your superpower is?
A. My superpower is my ability to create a safe and judgement-free space to access equitable and empathetic emergency care.