With over a decade of experience as a registered nurse, Wanessa has spent the last five years specialising in complex care for individuals with disabilities who face significant health challenges. Her deep compassion and ability to connect with her patients on a personal level have set her apart in this demanding field, where her commitment to person-centred care is at the forefront.
Early Inspiration and a Pivotal Case
In the early years of her career, Wanessa worked mainly in acute hospital settings, including emergency and intensive care. After moving to Australia, she transitioned into disability care and met a family who had cared for their son with profound disabilities his entire life. Wanessa became his primary carer, offering the family a sense of safety and trust that allowed them to begin helping their son move into his own home.
Through Wanessa’s careful care planning and extensive training of his support workers, this young man transitioned to independent living—a goal that once seemed unreachable. This case is just one of many successful outcomes Wanessa has led during her time in complex care.
The Challenges of Complex Care: Beyond Medical Needs
Wanessa firmly believes that effective complex care goes beyond just addressing medical issues. “True care for individuals with complex needs means understanding the whole person—their life, their challenges, their values, and the support they have around them.” Like others in the field, Wanessa recognises that care coordination involves more than simply managing medical conditions. It requires an intimate understanding of the daily struggles her clients face and finding ways to improve their overall quality of life.
In the past six months at Supported Care, Wanessa has been instrumental in laying the foundation for their complex care services. Her focus has been on not only meeting the medical needs of her clients but ensuring that their personal and functional needs are addressed. “Together, we’ve developed the skills and knowledge to set a new standard in delivering outstanding, holistic care.”
Emotional Toll and Wanessa’s Resilience
Working in complex care often presents emotional and psychological challenges, especially when dealing with patients who face both medical and behavioural complexities. Wanessa is passionate about finding ways to help her clients overcome these barriers and create meaningful, independent lives. Her unwavering resilience and empathy allow her to face these challenges head-on while continuing to advocate fiercely for her clients.
Wanessa’s journey as a Complex Care Nurse exemplifies the power of empathy and dedication. By focusing on the individual, not just their medical needs, she helps clients live fuller, more independent lives. Her work continues to set a high standard in complex care, benefiting both her clients and their support networks.
