Full circle moment for new nursing grads
Logan Hospital has welcomed its newest intake of graduate nurses, and for three of them, it’s more than just the start of their careers - it’s a homecoming!
Gina Rambold-Dent, Amelia Hasenkam and Dajae-Mae Nicols have each gone from tiny newborns on the hospital’s maternity ward to dedicated nurses caring for the next generation.
Gina's Story
Before becoming a registered nurse, Gina worked for five years in Logan’s birthing suites as an Assistant in Nursing.
It was during that time, that she discovered something ‘incredible’.
“When my Opa passed away, I looked through my baby photos and realised the midwife who delivered me was actually my colleague!” Gina said. “We were so surprised and happy when we found out.”
For Gina, the best part of working at Logan is the sense of connection.
“Logan is such a tight-knit community, and when I care for patients here, it often feels like looking after extended family,” she said.
She said she frequently found herself treating familiar faces, including former teachers and school peers and even their children.
This year the nursing grad will work in the Children’s Inpatient Unit, where she will treat patients from newborns to teens.
“Paediatrics has always been my calling. I love advocating for little ones who can’t speak for themselves.”
Looking back, Gina said she never expected to work in the hospital where she was born, but she wouldn’t change a thing.
“Life takes you on different paths, and somehow, you end up exactly where you’re meant to be.”
Dajae-Mae’s Story
For Dajae-Mae, working at Logan is both surreal and special.
“Logan has been home my whole life, so it only feels right to be back!” she said.
Nursing wasn’t always her plan, but Dajae-Mae said watching a TV show about emergency medicine in her final year of high school sparked her passion.
She’s now on the surgical ward, caring for patients before and after surgery and loving the diversity at Logan and the many stories patients share.
If she could give her newborn-self advice?
“Cherish all the naps you can, because you don’t get many once you start uni and nursing!”
Amelia’s Story
For Amelia, returning to Logan Hospital to work as a registered nurse, feels like a full circle moment.
Wasting no time between high school and nursing school, Amelia started her career as an Enrolled Nurse in an aged care setting.
Amelia said it was during this time that she realised her heart was set on becoming a registered nurse at Logan Hospital.
She went on to study a Bachelor of Nursing at Griffith University and graduated last year.
Despite always having an interest in healthcare, Amelia said her passion for nursing really grew after a loved one needed hospital care.
“Seeing how the nurses supported them and our family inspired me to help others in the same way.”
Amelia has joined the surgical ward, caring for post-op patients, where she said she hoped to stay for the duration of her first year.
Hearing the stories of nurses starting their careers is something that LBHS Director of Nursing and Midwifery Jacquie Smith said she looked forward to each year.
“Their stories are a powerful reminder to veteran healthcare workers that every act of care, every lesson shared, and every moment of mentorship can shape the future of nursing and inspire the next generation to follow in their footsteps,” Jacquie said.