Q&A with Pip Rice, Clinical Nurse Educator & NPAV President

A Journey Through Nursing, Education, and Leadership

My name is Pip Rice, I’m a registered nurse and clinical nurse educator.

I'm also a Major and a nursing officer with the Australian Defence Force Reserves and have travelled extensively, including working in the UK early in my career.

Additionally, I run a home-based business using microscopy in live and dry blood analysis, and I've been a director on the inaugural board for the Aurora Australis Foundation, where we tried to save the Icebreaker from leaving Australian waters.

Now, I'm the inaugural president of the Nurses Professional Association of Victoria (NPAV) and Tasmania. On the home front, I have four daughters ranging from 9 to 19, and we homeschool the youngest three. My partner, Pete, is a pharmacist, and we live in beautiful Hobart, Tasmania.

That’s incredibly varied, what initially drew you to nursing?

Initially, I wanted to go into childcare, but my grades were quite good, so I decided to pursue nursing instead. I thought I could always work in paediatrics, although I haven’t ended up there because so many amazing opportunities have arisen along the way, which I’ve seized.

I moved out of home at 17 and relocated to Launceston to study at the University of Tasmania. I lived on campus and was the Residential Advisor of student accommodation in my third year. I was also part of the University Wind Orchestra, choir, and even the Indian Association to hone my cricket skills! I topped the state in my second year, placed fourth overall in the three-year degree, and made the Dean’s Role of Excellence twice. I also completed my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award while studying, managing to live on just four hours of sleep a night to fit it all in! Later, while working in the UK, I attended the Duke of Edinburgh International Camp in Nottingham and received the award at St James's Palace in London from the Duke of Edinburgh himself!

I absolutely love helping people get well and educating them on making good choices for their health. I was even the “Face of Nursing” in 2003, with my photo displayed on an enormous banner—I had to climb a ladder to get a picture next to it! In 2019, I received an Excellence in Nursing award. My military logistics skills also proved invaluable when I was part of the Incident Management Team for the state Special Emergency Management Plan during the disastrous fires across Tasmania in 2019. Between travel and the diversity of experiences, I don’t think there’s a career that can beat nursing!

Where did you begin your nursing journey?

I started out as a registered nurse 28 years ago in 1996. My first year out was a baptism of fire, looking after victims of the Port Arthur Massacre as a graduate nurse in the neurosurgical ward at the Royal Hobart Hospital. I then spent a year working in intensive care before backpacking around the world for over two years, visiting about 23 countries.

Were you working as a nurse during that time?

Yes, I worked for an agency in England, mainly to earn pounds (a much stronger currency) for travelling.

One memorable job was as a live-in nurse in a 16th-century thatched cottage, looking after a 91-year-old ballet teacher from London in her home. It was a unique experience, especially given the historical context.

I also looked after a chap in his 90s with Alzheimer's in his own home and worked in nursing homes and many clinical areas of major public and private hospitals, particularly in the emergency departments with suture training and trauma management.

What was your favourite part about being a travel nurse?

The flexibility was ideal. You worked to earn money to travel, and you spent it exploring new places. Nursing in other countries was an eye-opener and made me appreciate the Australian healthcare system even more.

As an RN I had as many as 16 patients on one ward as a casual nurse in England, which was a stark contrast to the three to four patient load we have in Australia.

That must have been challenging. How did you cope with the Port Arthur Massacre when you were first starting out?

It was intense. The neurosurgical ward was next to the intensive care unit where the alleged perpetrator, was being treated. We received a code brown, indicating an external disaster, and prepared to receive casualties. I ended up caring for two gunshot wound victims.

The experience was harrowing but shaped the trajectory of my career. The mandatory debriefing sessions were crucial in helping us process the trauma and learn from the experience.

Do you have any tips for nurses who might find themselves in similar stressful situations?

Familiarity with your equipment, good team dynamics and workplace support.

Later, being a military nurse taught me how to handle mass casualty events and manage risks. In civilian settings, you have the advantage of equipment and staff that you might not have in the army, which makes a huge difference.

It's essential to take advantage of debriefing sessions and other support systems to process trauma and learn from it so you don’t carry it with you for the rest of your career.

After your travels, what roles did you take on when you returned to Tasmania?

I continued my career by training and working as a hyperbaric and diving medicine nurse at the Royal Hobart Hospital, where I've been for 24 years.

I also worked in the day procedure unit, became a clinical nurse educator, and joined the ADF as a musician before becoming a nursing officer.

The diving and hyperbaric medicine field is quite niche.
What training did you undertake?

There's a five-day nursing course (part of 6 months of training), and you need a minimum of four years of nursing experience. The role is very autonomous; you look after patients inside the hyperbaric chamber, routinely ensuring they can ‘clear their ears’ or equalise with the pressure changes, and receive oxygen therapy for a whole host of various conditions, as well as wound care dressings. Then you do on-call for diving emergencies, gas poisonings and infectious conditions.

Our new facility commissioned in 2020 even has hypobaric capability for aerospace medicine, which is exciting for future training, research and collaborations with the Air Force, ASA and NASA.
I studied Aviation Nursing back in 1997 with plans for flight nursing, only now is this becoming possible in a most unique way!

That sounds groundbreaking. Is Tasmania the first state with this innovation?

There are hypobaric capabilities in the defence force in South Australia. Our new public chamber is currently limited with a manned flight to 45,000ft (no pressure suits required), the system is programmed to 62,000ft & being re-certified to 100,000ft for experimental equipment trials at the same negative pressure as the Planet Mars (The Mars Basin).x

It's a significant advancement, and we're thrilled to be part of such fascinating research and capability development here in Tasmania!

Can you walk us through a typical day at work as a Clinical Nurse Educator?

Certainly! As a Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE) in the Short Stay Suite and Endoscopy, my day revolves around orientating and mentoring nursing staff, running mandatory training such as Basic Life Support, Resus4Kids, Advanced Life Support, and coordinating in-service programs. I manage student placements in my clinical areas, organizing rosters and support to ensure they have a fulfilling experience, which might inspire them to pursue a rewarding nursing career.

For graduates, I develop a six-month program focused on professionalism, ethical responsibilities, and the development of clinical skills as they transition from student to professional nurse. If there are any performance concerns, I collaborate with the Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) to address these issues and provide constructive feedback to the staff members for growth.

I’ve also spent many years training and using infection control skills, conducting audits on Hand Hygiene, Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT), FIT testing P2/N95 masks, and teaching PPE donning and doffing. Back in 2009, I set up Flu Clinics during the Swine Flu pandemic, and I’ve completed numerous Safety and Quality initiatives throughout the years.

One of my favourite roles as a CNE was educating lay surgical assistants for Customs with the Australian Border Force and the Australian Antarctic Division. I trained them in emergency surgery skills over two to four weeks so they could assist doctors on the 4 Australian stations in Antarctica, and during customs patrols in far north Australian waters.

I was also seconded for almost three years as Project Lead to run the Infusion Pump Procurement project, bringing six types of infusion pumps onto the contract for the Tasmanian Health Service statewide. This role involved forming working groups and evaluation committees, liaising with IT for Wi-Fi access and upgrades for tracking pumps, working with the biomedical department for commissioning and maintenance, coordinating with stores for consumables, collaborating with the pharmacy for developing drug libraries, and ensuring the implementation of these pumps across all clinical areas in Tasmania.

It was an enormous job that enhanced my project management and communication skills, and I conducted a staff needs analysis for clinical areas, training, safety and quality and risk management with the state Risk Register.

Could you also share what a typical day was like during your time in the army?

I had a dual career in the Army Reserves, starting as a musician for 9 years before becoming a nursing officer. As a musician a typical working day after initial training involved performing oboe in the band, side-drums and vocals, supporting governor ceremonial events, parades and annually touring the state and performing in schools and public community concerts.

Particular musical highlights were touring with jazz great James Morrison, backing vocals for country singer James Blundell, a Beating Retreat ceremony with massed military bands at Duntroon, ADFA, Canberra, also performing several medlies dressed as ABBA, the Andrew Sisters and Diana Ross and the Supremes!

Once I was commissioned as a Nursing Officer in 2006 and undertook initial training across military advanced resuscitation, logistics and operations, I progressed through officer ranks from Lieutenant, Captain to Major.

My roles included medical support to other military Units and major international Exercises in Australia, supporting army cadet training, as an Instructor on military nursing courses, training colleagues, participating in adventure training, and career management tri-service, most recently.

One unique aspect of the job, particularly left-field going on Exercises, was learning to care for and evacuate injured military working dogs via helicopter, which was both a challenging and rewarding highlight!

Do you have a favourite moment in your nursing career?

There are so many, but I approach every day with the intent to make an impact. A memorable experience was having a fantastic mentor during my graduate year who taught me the importance of investing in others. As a clinical nurse educator, I strive to impart knowledge that will benefit my colleagues and community.

You've mentioned your mentor a few times. How did they influence your approach to nursing?

My mentor was instrumental in shaping my career. They emphasised the importance of continuous learning and professional development. They also taught me the value of empathy and understanding in patient care. This approach has guided me throughout my career, from my early days in neurosurgery to my current roles in education and leadership.

How do you balance your various roles and responsibilities?

It's definitely a challenge, but I've learned to prioritise and manage my time effectively. Having a supportive partner and family helps tremendously. We homeschool our youngest three daughters, which allows for a more flexible schedule. I try, albeit largely unsuccessfully, to set aside time for self-care and relaxation to avoid burnout!

What do you wish you had known about the industry when you first became a nurse?

I wish I had known just how broad the choices in nursing would be. I initially also thought nursing was a secure job, but I’ve learned that no job is truly secure, no matter how much it’s needed.

You should never take your position for granted and never compromise your ethics and morals in your career. Upholding these intrinsic values will stand you in good stead and allow you to advocate effectively for others.

What advice would you give to nurses who are just starting out in their careers?

Stay curious and apply the critical thinking you are taught to give you insights and uphold your values in situations that challenge you. Personal and professional growth on your career journey requires discernment as an important attribute. Nursing is a constantly evolving field, and staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices is crucial, but must also not override ethics in healthcare.

Don't be afraid to seek out mentors and ask for help when needed. Having so many choices, working for an organisation that supports, respects and protects its employees is very important. Also, take care of yourself—both physically and mentally. Nursing can be demanding, so it's important to find a balance and ensure you're taking care of your own health as well.

My advice to new nurses is to seize every opportunity to try new challenges in your career—you never know what you’re capable of until you try!

You've had such a diverse and fulfilling career. What's next for you?

I'm excited about the future of nursing and healthcare. In 2020 I was named 7HOFM’s “BadAss Mum” which turned rather fortuitous during the COVID years! I'm looking forward to continuing my work with NPAV and advocating for nurses' rights and professional development. I'm also interested in furthering my education and possibly pursuing other avenues. There are so many opportunities in nursing, and I'm eager to see where my journey takes me next.

Why did you join the NPAA?

During the COVID pandemic, I saw NPAA lead the way in advocating for fair healthcare choices and human rights. Their ethical stance and apolitical nature impressed me. The NPAA is quick to respond to workplace issues and supports nurses' choices and autonomy. I'm proud to be the inaugural president of the Victorian and Tasmanian branch and work with an organisation that engenders and values integrity, ethics, and respect.

Thank you so much for your time, Pip. Is there any final advice you'd like to give to nurses reading this interview?

Absolutely. Always seize opportunities when they come your way. Stay open to new experiences and continue to learn and grow.

Nursing is about fostering those around you, and the knowledge you impart can have a lasting impact on the future of healthcare.