Princess Alexandra Hospital’s Spinal Injuries Unit (SIU) has appointed its inaugural Associate Nurse Unit Manager (Assoc. NUM), Jose Augustine.
Working in collaboration with SIU NUM Beth Walter, the new role will help manage the unit’s 120 nurses as part of the QSCIS Enhancement Project.
While he may be new to this role, Jose is no stranger to PAH after 17 years on the roster. From humble beginnings as a trainee nurse in Kerala, Jose relocated to South Australia in 2007 and completed a bridging course before transitioning to PAH, where he has flourished in various roles since.
“At the age of 15, I was inspired by cousins and family members who were nurses, because I witnessed them assisting and caring for some of the most vulnerable members of the community,” said Jose.
“Working at PAH for the past 17 years has afforded me numerous opportunities to develop my nursing skills in both clinical and management roles, and that has given me the confidence to continue to plan and deliver the highest level of care to my patients.”
Bringing a longstanding passion for supporting vulnerable patients and a strong work ethic, Jose looks forward to supporting the nursing team as the unit evolves over the next few years.
“The role is quite challenging, with a large team of 120 nursing staff who are in the middle of a significant change in management processes with the QSCIS Enhancement Project. I could not have endured such challenges throughout this journey had it not been for the incredible relationships I formed with my colleagues and leaders who have shown immense support,” Jose said.
With the QSCIS Enhancement well underway, SIU NUM Beth Walter says the addition of the Assoc. NUM role will go a long way to strengthen the unit’s dedicated team through the transformation.
“The role of Assoc. NUM has been a fantastic addition to the SIU within the Enhancement Project. The work that Jose undertakes assists in management of all components of the Ward, and the efforts he contributes are highly valued,” said Beth.
PAH congratulates Jose on his new appointment and thanks all staff at SIU for their ongoing commitment to improving healthcare pathways and outcomes for all patients.