First up we talk to Maxine, a Registered Nurse who we placed in a permanent role in November 2019. 

What are the main aspects/tasks in your role?

I allocate and supervise staff, mentor and teach, administer medications, oversee the wellbeing of our residents, order medications and update the families and medical staff on any issues.

What do you love about this job?

I love the team and the interaction with residents.

How is aged care different from working in a large public hospital? What do you love about it?

In aged care, we are more responsible for people - some with very complex conditions. We need to make a lot of clinical decisions with less back up of medical staff than there would be in a public hospital. I love people and variety. 

What particular skills/personal traits do you think people need to work in this sector?

Nurses in aged care need to be calm, follow through with an attention to detail and have a strong work ethic. 

Next up, we have Clinical Nurse Lead, DDC, who has been with our client for 5 months.

What are the main aspects/tasks in your role?

Being the Clinical Nurse Lead, I supervise and support all the Registered Nurses and Caregivers in their patient care and nursing services.

• I conduct nursing assessments on any residents who are feeling unwell or who have underlying medical conditions
• Review and evaluate residents’ care plans
• I attend GP ward rounds with the doctor for acute residents, scheduled 3-monthly reviews and family meetings
• I check and review progress notes/ documentation written by the Registered Nurses and Caregivers, checking on any issues (like falls, skin tears, challenging behaviours and infections)  and follow up where needed, putting plans into place to address any risks or changes that need to be made.
• I also work closely with other allied health professionals e.g. Physiotherapist, Dietician, Speech-Language Therapist, Podiatrist for our residents

What do you love about this job?

I enjoy looking after elderly people by providing nursing services that enable them to maintain and/or improve their quality of life.

How is aged care different from working in a large public hospital? What do you love about it?

Working in aged care is a rewarding role and it can be demanding, as you are looking at the person’s general condition (not just a particular issue). It’s a rewarding role when the elderly people that you are serving are satisfied and appreciate the nursing services that you provide.

What makes aged care an area you want to work in?

I prefer to work in aged care because I am given the opportunity to apply my nursing skills and knowledge in a holistic approach. It covers all level of care -such as Rest home care, Dementia care and private hospital level of care.

What particular skills/personal traits do you think people need to work in this sector?

Patience, and you need to be pro-active. We should always be one step ahead. Time management is important too. People need to have a sense of caring/love, integrity and most importantly, respect.

Lastly, AJ, our Registered Nurse who has been with our client for about 1 year now.

What are the main aspects/tasks in your role?

• Ensuring staffing is adequate, and cover people away on leave/sick etc.
• Supervising the Health Care Assistants
• Administering medications, checking on all the residents, especially if they are increasingly unwell. 
• Contacting the GP if necessary
• Communicating with residents and their families about their care

What do you love about this job?

Nursing is a caring profession - that’s what I like

How is aged care different from working in a large public hospital? What do you love about it?

In a public hospital, the nurses are only focused on patient care for those they are allocated to. In aged care, the role is broader and includes more staff supervision and monitoring

What makes aged care an area you want to work in?

Aged care residents suffer a lot, missing their near and dear ones. They are often very lonely, and their bodies and minds can be frail, so I like to look after them.

What particular skills/personal traits do you think people need to work in this sector?

Management and supervision skills, leadership, caring and dedication to their job, logical thinking and a good understanding of their role.

We love hearing when a staff member is happy with their role, and when we have found the perfect fit! If you have anything you would like to share about your experiences working in the sector, we’d love to hear from you too! 

Ngā mihi nui.

(Image credit: Ani Kolleshi, Unsplash)