At 89 years of age, Ruth Zionzee is a real mover and shaker – and not just on the dance floor. Flouting her father’s authority, she became a registered nurse in 1954, and in a career spanning six decades became a trail blazer in occupational nursing, consistently undertaking further education in her field – and excelling at every step.
Australian Health Journal caught up with this dedicated delegate at the Australian College of Nursing 2019 National Nursing Forum – Ruth has attended every forum since 1969. Hear how this lively octogenarian, who is passionate about leadership in nursing, has recently become a cover girl and is so inspired by “the youngsters” – unaware of how she, in turn, inspires them.
This endearing, engaging and unassuming retiree has not retired from life, learning or leadership in her profession, and has a dedication that would give Florence Nightingale a run for her money.
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Enriching experiences in nursing mentorship
Mentoring in nursing is crucial for the development of nurses and the advancement of the nursing profession. It provides a supportive environment for personal and professional growth, knowledge transfer, and leadership development.
Australian Health Journal met with two nurses both working in Queensland, one the mentor, the other, the mentee. Both get to appreciate the experiences mentorship gives them.
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Health-Tech Connections
Challenges in health care delivery have compounded, with clinical staff being exposed to the Omicron COVID variant. Reduced staffing has brought on its challenges to most already-strained state health care systems and the people working in them.
However, over the past 2 years of the pandemic, technology has played an increasing role on the front end for patients and consumers at home and clinicians in the medical setting. Much more is planned in technology that will deliver efficiency, reduce risk and make available new models of care. This has the potential to touch the working lives of all stakeholders and
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Pathology technology at a crossroads
The CEO of Pathology Technology Australia, Dean Whiting spoke with Australian Health Journal about the following:
– Pathology Technology Australia’s key priorities in the coming years
– Current local capability in pathology technology compared to other countries
– How the health system supports change and adoption of pathology technology
– How pathology is perceived by the public and in government as well as how developments in pathology technology are followed and understood
– Observations in the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce ReportIn the lead up to the Australian Federal Budget in May 2023, Australian Health Journal reached out to peak health industry bodies to hear about their priorities, either noted in pre-budget submissions lodged with Federal Government in January 2023 or in recent forums such as the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce.
