Patient Support Officer Jordan receives a triple shout out from patients

Staff and patients in rehabilitation Ward 4B at STARS think they are very fortunate to have the services of Patient Support Officer (PSO) Jordan Nelson. So much so that Jordan recently received three nominations from patients for the outstanding care they received.

The nominations acknowledged Jordan’s wonderful attitude and team focus.

“Jordan is always happy to help, no job is a bother and he always has a smile for everyone. Well done – thanks for being a great team member and so patient focused.”

Jordan provides Ward 4B patients with a welcome smile and someone to chat to about topics other than their treatment.

“I joke with them that I am not here to prod or poke them – just to say hello,” explains Jordan.

“Not being part of the clinical team often means that patients feel they can talk to you about other parts of their lives.

“They like to tell me about places they’ve travelled, significant life celebrations and what they did in their younger days. I enjoy listening to people’s histories.”

Patients in the rehabilitation ward can be in hospital for lengthy periods while they recover from conditions like a stroke or spinal injury. Jordan’s favourite part of his PSO role is patient interactions, particularly witnessing the amazing progress they make.

“Following a patient’s journey from when they were bed-bound on arrival at hospital to being able to walk again is very rewarding.”

“It is also great to part of a broader team of doctors, nurses and allied health workers who work in collaboration to help patients reach their rehabilitation goals.”

When he isn’t working at STARS Jordan likes to keep things fairly simple – catching up with a mate to play board games, having a drink or watching a movie.

“My friends and I play a lot of deck-building board games.”

“I’ve also just returned from a two-week trip to Thailand. The highlights included meeting and enjoying time and experiences with a group of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures and seeing and learning more about elephants.”