Helen Loveridge - Theatre nurse

Helen Loveridge has been working in operating theatres at what is now Southern Cross Hamilton for more than 20 years. In that time she has seen the number of theatres expand from three to seven, and has become one of the hospital’s most experienced theatre nurses.

Like all her senior colleagues, Helen also takes a mentoring role towards new and less experienced theatre nurses.

She is a strong advocate for Southern Cross’ Professional Development and Recognition Programme (PDRP), which provides registered nurses with an accredited on-site assessment for their annual practising certificate, as required by the Nursing Council of New Zealand.

“Southern Cross takes a very active role in nursing education and the PDRP is a big part of this. I’m an assessor for the programme, which I believe is a positive thing for nursing.”

Work/life balance is also important for Helen. Her husband is a shift worker and there’s no way she wanted to go down that route as well.

“Most days, I work 7.30 to 4.00, when the lists usually finish. Occasionally I do an afternoon (1.00 to 9.00) list. I like the flexibility of the hours – it’s not difficult to get time off when I need to”.

“The theatre facilities here are excellent, and the hospital itself is reasonably new and within lovely surroundings.”