Our History
In his 80s, Frank had been a very successful businessman and leader in public life. When he took a turn for the worse and it seemed that he might not recover, there were many times when the family needed to meet as a family with the leaders of the care team, the physiotherapist, the doctor and NurseLink case coordinator. It was important to have a common goal and decide if the care given was to focus on comfort or to have an element of tough love and encouragement for keeping going. It became clear that to give love was to let go. Frank died peacefully at home surrounded by his united family.
NurseLink was started in 1987 in Adelaide by Joy Nugent, a nurse who cared for her own mother in the last week of her life, privately and at home. There her mother was surrounded by the people and treasures she loved and enjoyed respect for her way of living and her garden! Joy found this such a rewarding experience that she returned to nursing (having raised her four children and gained much life experience) and founded NurseLink as a practice model for other nurses.
The practice model promotes consideration for all areas of person's life and considers grief and loss, the highs and lows of everyday living - as well as caring for physical aches and pains. We insist on the highest standards of care which means that our work from the initial meeting perhaps right through to planning a funeral gives warmth, peace and closure for all concerned.
As the concept spreads throughout Australia we are finding the need to train more Registered and Enrolled Nurses, Senior Nurse Assistants (with additional nursing and counselling skills) and supervised Nurse Assistants in more areas. The model ensures personally satisfying flexible work and gives an opportunity for personal growth. The premise that underpins our training is reflected in the following words from Australian Educator and Psychotherapist John Ashfield:
"Our capacity to genuinely help others is almost directly proportional to the extent to which we stand on solid ground within ourselves."
The specially-written NurseLink Computer Program, Assessment Portfolio and Organisation Manuals are available through our online store to other nurses and organisations. While the model NurseLink practice specialized in palliative care and gerontology, nurses who choose other fields of nursing may find them helpful resources.