Newsroom

That `butterflies in your stomach` feeling is completely normal before your dream job interview or that upcoming medical appointment, but what does it mean if that butterfly feeling sticks around? 🦋

STARS Advanced Psychologist Laura says that anxiety is a normal and healthy human emotion that everyone experiences especially before important events however this differs from an anxiety disorder.

"Symptoms of an anxiety disorder may include excessive worry, muscle tension, or physical symptoms such as a racing heart or shortness of breath. When anxiety is ongoing or interferes with daily life, it may indicate an anxiety disorder such as Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)," Laura said.

"For everyday anxiety, it can help to get enough sleep, stay physically active, practice relaxation or mindfulness, limit exposure to distressing news or social media, remain connected with supportive people, and focus on aspects of the situation that are within your control.

"If anxiety is persistent, overwhelming, or starts affecting daily life, it`s worth speaking with a GP or mental health professional, such as a psychologist. Experiencing anxiety does not mean someone is weak or failing to cope, it is a common health issue, and support is available." ❤️‍🩹 ...

Metro North is home to one of the world`s largest healthcare simulation providers, the Clinical Skills Development Service. CSDS provides critical medical training to health professionals all across the state! 👩‍⚕️

Simulation Coordinator Sarah organises and facilitates simulation and education sessions for many multidisciplinary teams both on site at CSDS but also in rural communities such as Proserpine and Charleville.

"Manikins aren’t our only form of simulation, sometimes we have standardised participants get involved so that might be someone on our team as a `patient`, but we also teach our teams on how to debrief a case and that is where the learning truly comes from," Sarah said.

"There’s no one way to do things and there`s a real focus on being open-minded and collaborative which is what education and healthcare is all about.

"If you’re looking for a role in simulation, this is the crème de le crème and there is no other facility like this in Queensland which offers the range of services that we do!"

CSDS has a few opportunities open to join their simulation team, apply now using the links in our bio. #WorkforusWednesday ...

Imagine if you had a handy pocket guide to help with your questions when leaving hospital? Well now you do, with the RBWH Surgical Wards Discharge Guide one of a suite of books created to help patients with their questions around discharge from hospital. ❤️‍🩹

The guide has been driven by Registered Nurse and Plastics Patient Coordinator Jamie and supported by Clinical Nurse Consultant for Service Improvement and Innovation Cory.

"We are really encouraging our nursing staff to give it to all our patients because it will certainly help the patient journey," Jamie said.

"This booklet has information about what is an urgent concern and requires an emergency department visit, what your GP [can help with], contacts for Health Direct and Virtual Emergency Care Services, and there`s so many spots where you can write questions for your doctors - things about medical certificates and returning to work and driving," Cory added.

Next time you visit us for surgery, take home a copy and enjoy the light reading in your recovery at home, with all your questions answered in one simple place. 🏡 ...