OUR PEOPLE | Sonia Strachan
Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse at GV Health, Shepparton (VIC)
Leaving her previous job in community palliative care, where for many years Sonia was caring for men who were dying of prostate cancer, was one of the hardest working decisions she has ever had to make.
She joined the team of Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses at PCFA on the 1st of September 2014 and in her own words “it has been so worth it.”
“I could see that there was a lack of support for men living with prostate cancer and a definite lack of awareness. I'm not totally sure why l applied for the position as l loved my previous role, but I did apply and ‘the rest is history',” Sonia says.
For Sonia the care and support they provide to the local men in their community, along with the team effort required in her current role, means a lot.
“As a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse, I work with some other incredible health care professionals. This ranges from our medical oncologists, urologists, nursing, allied health care and admin staff,” she says.
Time is challenging and there are not enough hours in the day for Sonia as the role is ever expanding. With the increased profile of the Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses there are also increasing demands.
Sonia is grateful and proud of the community that funds her role through the Biggest Ever Blokes’ Lunch. This initiative, which started in Shepparton as a local community supporting local men, is now replicated all over Australia.
Getting as much general nursing experience as possible is Sonia’s piece of advice for younger nurses. She also recommends them to look at further studies into prostate cancer nursing, talk to others whom are already working in the roles and find a mentor to utilize their expertise and knowledge.
Did you know?
Sonia loves the Queen. “What a woman…,” she says when referring to Her Majesty Elizabeth II.
Horse racing – the fashion, the thrill, the horses and the social side – is also something that Sonia loves. She even has a share in a horse called ‘Ready to Prophet’ that is giving her lots of joy and excitement. Check it out next time if you are taking a little punt!
