With 27 years’ nursing experience under her cap, Registered Nurse Beenamole “Beena” Thozhuthumkudy has walked a vibrant career path.
With experience in a range of specialties including medical, surgical, gynaecological, and paediatric nursing, Beena had almost seen it all – until she joined QEII’s Ward 4B in 2007.
“When I joined QEII, 4B was a Stroke and Rehab Ward. I had worked in a lot of specialties but had no experience in stroke care at the time,” Beena said.
Beena says it was the support of her peers that empowered and gave her a safe space to grow during the transition.
“I was really stressed in the beginning, but everyone was supportive and 4B became like a second home for me. I was so happy to be a part of the team, and the NUM is very supportive too,” she said.
“We also have a very active Stroke CNC (Clinical Nurse Consultant) on our ward, who does a great job educating the nursing team and keeping our stroke knowledge up to date.”
Encouraged by the positive team culture and inspiring patient outcomes at 4B, Beena’s newfound passion for stroke care soon flourished.
“I have spent time in many other wards, but I never felt the same warmth I get from 4B. That’s how I knew I didn’t want to leave.
“It’s amazing to see stroke patients go through the whole stroke journey, from the struggles to rehabilitation. The joy they have when they go home makes me so happy. It’s like a new life for them,” she said.
17 years on, Beena stays busy supporting the next generation of stroke care nurses between team leading and clinical work, and says she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“We have a lot of geriatric patients on this ward, some with dementia or complex behaviours,” she explained.
“I always encourage the students and junior nurses to imagine the patient in front of them is someone they love, because that way they will feel love and compassion towards them. That’s how I think all the time in my own nursing. We can ask the patients what they like, from feeding to taking medication, because everyone is different and we want them to have a say in the care they receive,” she explained.
Acknowledged for her compassionate approach to patient care, exemplary mentorship skills and her inspiring passion for stroke care, Beena claimed the QEII International Nurses Day (IND) Respect Award in May.
“It doesn’t matter to me if someone is a junior or senior doctor, a student or a nurse or anybody else, I always treat everyone with equal respect.
“That includes patients and their families. Nobody likes to lose their independence. If we accept people and encourage them not to feel bad for needing help, and if we say it in a positive way, they feel supported.”
Congratulations Beena, and thank you for your wonderful work supporting patients and staff across 4B!