Farming life adds to Jacinta Dore's role as a child and family health nurse

Jacinta Dore lives in the heart of the Riverina and when she is not lending a hand on her farm, she’s in the community helping families.

The Murrumbidgee Local Health District child and family health nurse, based in Urana, is passionate about her role.

“I know a lot of my clients, many are friends and family. Having our farm, raising our family, going to community events, and attending footy, we all can talk, share, build special relationships and trust each other,” Jacinta said.

“I can empathise with the trials and tribulations of farming life as a mother and a person living in a rural community.

“It is a privilege to be accepted into the lives of a family, to be given that trust as a health professional.”

The registered nurse said she had watched the youth grow up and seen them raise their own families.

Jacinta found her calling in paediatrics when she began her career in nursing in 1984. She went on to complete her midwifery course and trained in paediatrics at Adelaide Children’s Hospital.

She said her time at the hospital was beautiful but sometimes very sad while she took care of babies under 12 months.

“It could be pretty challenging at times, and I look back now and I think how young I was. It was lots to deal with at such a young age, but I loved it,” Jacinta said.

The child and family health nurse said she found her role satisfying.

“There is a certain job satisfaction when you know you’ve helped someone, given some guidance or good advice,” Jacinta said.

“I guess that’s what really keeps me going because you can see the difference you are making to someone who may be unsure or struggling, and you can go in and support them and point them in the right direction.”

Jacinta moved to Urana in 1993, got married, started working at Urana Hospital as a registered nurse, and managed the family farm.

She said Urana residents had admired the long-serving local community and child family nurse who was approaching retirement.

Jacinta decided to be proactive and diversify her skills by studying child and family nursing as that was where her heart was.

She became the ideal candidate for the role when it became available with her experience as a registered nurse and midwife, along with her training in child and family nursing and paediatrics.

Jacinta said it was special to live and work in the town of Urana.

“I have known some of these families for such a long time, across generations, and they know who I am, and that is very special and unique,” she said.

She said for those health professionals who had a passion for a particular area, there were plenty of opportunities in regional areas.

“You just have to see what is available and where. Once you find your niche, your passion, you may well find an amazing opportunity to create really incredible relationships with the people you look after.”