At the heart of every thriving healthcare organisation is the commitment to education and growth. Angela Jones-Knowles, a Nurse Educator with Healthcare Australia (HCA), exemplifies this commitment with her unwavering passion for empowering nurses. From teaching essential skills to nurturing future professionals, Angela shares her dedication to quality care and how education plays a pivotal role in shaping healthcare outcomes.
Why Education Matters
Angela’s passion for nursing began in her childhood and evolved into a career focused on empowering others through education.
“Education appeals to me because it allows nurses to enhance their skills and deliver high-quality care,” Angela explains. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the confidence and competence they develop through training.”
Her role as a Nurse Educator goes beyond technical training, aiming to inspire and support nurses at every level of their careers.
A Day in the Life of a Nurse Educator
Every day brings new opportunities and challenges for Angela, which is one of the aspects she loves most about working in healthcare education.
“Whether I’m teaching or working in the emergency department (ED), no day is the same,” Angela shares. “It keeps me motivated and engaged.”
Her work focuses on delivering training sessions that cater to a range of healthcare staff, from Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) to Allied Health Clinicians (AHCs). Topics include Basic Life Support (BLS) and Manual Handling, as well as more targeted sessions like the Introduction to ED course. Angela also closely supports nursing students in clinical placements, tailoring her sessions to meet their individual needs.
“I learn as much from my participants as they learn from me,” she says. “Understanding their challenges helps me create more effective training that truly equips them for their roles.”
Balancing Flexibility with Fulfilment
A career in nursing is known for its flexibility, and Angela highlights how this has positively impacted her work-life balance.
“Shift work has always allowed me to plan my career around my life,” she says. “It’s one of the reasons I’m so passionate about helping travel nurses and healthcare professionals make the most of their roles.”
This adaptability is especially valuable for travel nurses juggling professional demands with the excitement of exploring new locations.
Unwavering Support at HCA
Angela credits the team at HCA for fostering an environment of collaboration and encouragement.
“The staff and managers are incredibly friendly and supportive,” she says. “My direct manager is approachable and always open to discussing concerns or new teaching ideas.”
She also appreciates the enthusiasm shown by travel nurses for ongoing learning and professional growth. “They’re very receptive to completing competencies, which makes my role even more rewarding,” Angela adds.
Whether working with colleagues in city offices or on-site in Geelong, Angela feels deeply connected to the HCA community.
Addressing Challenges, Celebrating Success
Like any profession, nursing education comes with its share of challenges. Tailoring sessions to meet the diverse needs of participants can be demanding, Angela notes.
“It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach,” she says. “But seeing nursing students evolve into confident professionals during their clinical placements is the most rewarding part of my role.”
Angela’s work not only impacts the nurses she trains but also the countless patients who benefit from their enhanced skills and dedication.
Inspiring Dedication and Heartfelt Care
At its core, Angela’s role as a Nurse Educator is about improving lives–for both healthcare professionals and patients.
“My goal is to deliver kind, compassionate, and high-quality care,” she explains. “Through education, I want to empower others to do the same.”
This passion mirrors the dedication and commitment demonstrated by nurses every day, ensuring quality care for thousands of individuals and families.
Advice for Aspiring Nurses
Angela’s years of experience have equipped her with invaluable advice for nurses just beginning their careers.
“Nursing is a deeply rewarding career,” she says. “At HCA, you’ll find a supportive environment where staff are eager to help you learn and develop.”
She also emphasises the importance of continuous education, encouraging nurses to take advantage of training opportunities to grow their skills and confidence.
Final Thoughts
Angela Jones-Knowles exemplifies the key role that education plays in developing confident, skilled, and compassionate healthcare professionals. Her dedication to fostering continuous growth sets a strong foundation for nurses across all stages of their careers.
For those inspired by Angela’s passion and eager to pursue a meaningful career in healthcare, HCA offers incredible opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to a better future.
Curious about advancing your nursing career? Contact HCA for information on training and opportunities tailored to your goals.
