Staff profiles
Ian Perry
Deteriorating patient and resuscitation nurse educator
A nurse for 43 years, Ian started with us in January 2021, returning to Taranaki after many years working overseas.
Working in an education and coordinating role in Medical & Acute Services, Ian’s job is to ensure staff are trained for early detection of the deteriorating patient and then initiate the appropriate intervention to achieve better outcomes. This includes systems and processes with the aim to reduce ICU admissions, ICU day stays and prevent cardiac arrest and mortality.
He’s particularly interested in research relating to early detection and management of the deteriorating patient, resuscitation science such as pre and post cardiac arrest care, as well as effective management of the arrest itself. Ian’s also interested in early detection and management of sepsis.
Training as an enrolled nurse in the late 70s, Ian then qualified in 1983 as a registered nurse in Taranaki’s last hospital-based training course.
Ian went on to specialise in critical care and emergency nursing and has since acquired a collection of post-graduate qualifications, including several from Massey University, a clinical teachers certificate from the University of Toronto and he’s a qualified advanced life support instructor.
Ian enjoys working with good people towards a common goal of improving systems and processes for better patient experiences and outcomes.
“I find it hugely rewarding to care for the critically ill and injured and help them recover to a normal life as well as having the opportunity to share my skills and knowledge, teaching my colleagues to do the same.”
He says the best things about nursing are the comradery, friendships, and teamwork that come with being part of the whole inter-professional team working to improve patient care.
“I feel very grateful to everyone I’ve worked with who has influenced my career in a positive way.”
A highlight of Ian’s career was successfully leading an initiative by a cardiac physiotherapist in Saudi Arabia to establish a fully-fledged cardiac rehabilitation programme.
“This was well supported by the interprofessional team and included a holistic approach with a designated gymnasium and fully qualified staff along with state-of-the-art monitoring systems. This project taught me the importance of obtaining buy-in from all disciplines and developing a sense of a shared vision.”