Tracey Dastey

Graduate Diploma in Primary Care Nursing
Rural

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"Working in general practice allows me to provide patient-centred care on a continual basis to the individuals and families who regularly attend our clinic. The relationship that general practice allows you to develop with patients is the highlight of my role."

Tracey can’t imagine moving away from the Latrobe Valley. Tracey is a Practice Nurse working in a small general practice in the town of Moe where her specialities include women’s health, immunisations and chronic disease management.

Having been raised in Moe and living there all her life, she’s attached to the history and culture within her community and sees that deeper understanding of Moe and its people as an important part of her job.

"It is vital to understand who makes up the community so you are able to provide socially and economically appropriate care," says Tracey.

"Working in general practice allows me to provide patient-centred care on a continual basis to the individuals and families who regularly attend our clinic. The relationship that general practice allows you to develop with patients is the highlight of my role."

Tracey graduated as a nurse in 2007 and more recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Primary Care Nursing at the University of Melbourne. She did the course via distance education which suited her busy work and family life – Tracey and her husband have three boys aged 15, 12 and 8.

She received an Australian College of Nursing scholarship that helped her with the costs of postgraduate study and Tracey says the extra study has been worth the effort.

"It gave me the opportunity to expand my scope of practice and to introduce new programs into our clinic. I’m now a credentialed Pap Smear provider and Nurse Immuniser," says Tracey.

In a typical shift, she also undertakes wound management, plastering, telehealth consultations, financial management and management of clinical staff.

"Working in a rural area is unique and rewarding and being in Moe provides me with greater autonomy and the opportunity to see a diverse mix of patients," says Tracey.

"I enjoy living in a rural community too. My close girlfriends that I grew up with still live in the area and we like to catch up. I like that Moe is quieter too and I like that if I walk down the street I feel as if I know most people."

Find out more about the Graduate Diploma in Primary Care Nursing