As we celebrate International Nurses Day, we’re shining the spotlight on one of our star nurses!
Meet Mark Makunike, Mental Health Nurse Manager at Dandenong Hospital.
‘I come from a family full of nurses,’ says Mark. ‘That’s been a big influence on my beliefs and values.’
Mark believes those values – of integrity, compassion, and respect – are qualities shared by most nurses, especially among his team at Dandenong Hospital.
Mark began his career with Monash Health as a graduate working in the Dandenong Emergency Department and General Medicine Ward.
‘Then I transitioned to mental health nursing, and I knew there was no going back. I’d found my passion. I found my colleagues in mental health nursing to be so compassionate and understanding, and thoughtful of the patient experience.’
After working as a psychiatric nurse and then clinical nurse specialist, Mark worked in the community with both adults and young people before becoming Nurse Manager of Unit 2 at Dandenong Hospital.
‘In mental health, we look after quite vulnerable people, sometimes people who’ve had really traumatic experiences, who come from complex social situations, and it can be very challenging. It’s important I look out for my team to ensure they feel safe and supported in their roles.
‘It’s a challenging environment, but at the same time it’s a very rewarding area to work in, especially looking after young people.’
The theme of International Nurses Day this year is ‘The economic power of care’ and Mark agrees that nurses play a vital role in a flourishing community where everyone can contribute.
‘We know that globally there are nursing shortages, and it’s more important than ever that we recognise nurses as a driving force in the economy. We look after people physically, as well as their mental and emotional wellbeing, which are important to being able to contribute meaningfully from an economic and a social viewpoint.’
As Mark and his team take the opportunity to celebrate International Nurses Day, Mark wants to take the opportunity to thank his whole team.
‘I am so appreciative of everything they do,’ says Mark. ‘They work so hard to see people get better, and I respect the team so much.
‘International Nurses Day is a chance to reflect on the hard work everyone puts in and the difference we make, and the impact we have on people’s lives.’
Thank you to Mark and the over 10,000 nurses and RUSONs who work across Monash Health! You’re all stars!
