From rural New South Wales to Brisbane, Julia Crookes, 26, never thought she would be leading a cardiovascular team.
Originally considering becoming a midwife and working in an Emergency Department, Julia since has found her heart working as a registered nurse in Mater Private Hospital Brisbane’s Cardiovascular Unit (CVU).
Julia said cardiovascular has always got her blood pumping and after only just over two years in the state has started dipping her toes into team leading.
“Leading a team has been great because it gives me more appreciation for the work that goes on behind the scenes,” Julia said.
“There's lots of coordination involved. For example, if we've got an anaesthetic case, we have to make sure we've got all the right people and equipment, or in special cases, we may need to organise ordering in specific equipment or for reps to come in… and before I started leading a team, I didn't quite understand that aspect.
“This role just makes sense to me. I know I still have a lot of growth and so much to learn but looking back, I have always had a bit of a fascination for the heart.”
Once working in CVU, Julia said she knew right away this was where she was meant to be.
“I like how much there is to learn. There is such a variation on procedures we do with endless opportunities to upskill and learn new things … and I love my team,” Julia said.
With the Cardiovascular Unit covering a range of serious to acute heart problems, Julia finds it difficult to find only one aspect she enjoys the most but puts coronary angiogram procedures at the top.
“A coronary angiogram (is) where we go in and inject dye to have a look at someone's arteries … I love how structured the procedure is,” Julia said.
“I find it interesting to see each person’s heart anatomies, trying to work out things for yourself based on what you see in the pictures.”
At the end of the day, Julia just wants to make a difference.
“It is really rewarding to be able to make a difference in people's lives and their health… No one likes a broken heart!”