LITTLE girls often want to grow up to be just like “mum”, and Langwarrin nurse Emily McCulloch has done just that – completing her graduate year at Peninsula Health almost 30 years after her mother.
Mrs McCulloch, who graduated in 1988 and is now an associate nurse unit manager and lactation consultant in the women’s health unit at Frankston Hospital, said she had never pushed her daughter to pursue a career in nursing, but did advise her of the rewards.
“I advised Emily that pursuing nursing had to be her choice, but also that it’s a very rewarding profession where you can make such a difference in people’s lives when they are at their most vulnerable.”
Emily said it was a desire to help others which led her into nursing, and she is now looking after orthopaedic and plastic surgery patients on the Port Philip Ward at Frankston Hospital.
“Being able to advocate for those who need it most and being the person the patient trusts to carry them through their time of need is so rewarding and satisfying,” she said.
Emily’s love of the job is something also shared by her mother, now a midwife.
“I love being part of a fantastic team of midwives who are truly passionate about providing the most amazing care to women during one of the most memorable moments in their lives,” said Melanie.
“I also really enjoy teaching and supporting junior midwives and helping women to breastfeed with confidence.”
Emily was one of 56 nurses who completed the graduate nurse program at Peninsula Health in 2016.
Fifty-seven graduates started in this year’s Graduate Nurse Program in February.