Celebrating nurses, the ‘heartbeat’ of aged care
It takes a special person to be a nurse. They touch people’s lives daily and in aged care, play an important role in maintaining the wellbeing older people. Their hard work and commitment can go unnoticed but International Nurses Day (IND), held each year on 12 May, gives Australians the chance to commend nurses on the valuable contribution they make to the health of our society.
Care providers around the country are celebrating their nurses for International Nurses Day on 12 May.
“Today is a great opportunity for us all to reflect on the amazing work nurses do each and every day and to congratulate them on the care they provide people right across the community, from early childhood, to the elderly and vulnerable living in nursing homes,” says Annie Butler, Acting Federal Secretary of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF).
“The nation’s health is dependent on them and it’s important that we use IND to applaud their work in helping so many,” she says.
Care providers around the country are celebrating their nurses on IND.
Uniting AgeWell’s Clinical Care Coordinator, Luke Pualic, says a career in nursing has opened many doors and allowed him to work in different areas of the health industry.
He believes for nurses in aged care “there’s an opportunity to make the biggest impact on people’s lives”.
“A lot of focus is given to people at the start of life, but I really believe there should be more focus on end of life care as well.
“It’s very rewarding getting to know our residents and their families intimately, forming long lasting relationships, making a difference and developing friendships and partnerships through care,” Mr Pualic says.
“I consider it an honour to support and enhance the wellbeing of older people.”
The Kingsville-based nurse will join the rest of the residential and community care organisation in celebrating International Nurses Day on 12 May.
Uniting AgeWell General Manager People Services, Helen Baker, says Uniting AgeWell’s nurses are a highly valued part of the workforce and International Nurses Day is a great opportunity to thank all our nurses and personal care workers for their commitment to the care of residents and the invaluable services they provide.
“We have very dedicated nurses and care staff throughout Uniting AgeWell, with registered and enrolled nurses providing high quality clinical care every day,” she says.
“These are critical roles ensuring the wellbeing of residents, particularly those who have complex care needs.”
Residential Services Manager Michelle Willison, Registered Nurse Catherine Hammond and Care Manager Karen Piper are among more than 1,000 nurses from not-for-profit aged and disability services organisation Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH) to be honoured as part of International Nurses Day (IND).
The trio, who work at VMCH’s St Catherine’s aged care residence in Balwyn, hold a combined 74 years’ of service supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
“Working with the elderly is a great privilege,” says Ms Piper. “The years of knowledge and wisdom that they have built up is wonderful and they are so happy to pass on to others.”
“I love looking after elderly people and being able to be involved in delivering good care and a happy atmosphere. I feel rewarded when relatives are able to leave the residence and feel that the person they have left behind is safe and in good hands,” Ms Hammond agrees.
While all three love their jobs, they describe nursing as challenging; requiring hard work, patience and flexibility.
They view teamwork, diversity in their roles and learning and development opportunities as the keys to a successful nursing career.
But above all, a passion for supporting the older people in their care remains their ultimate motivation.
“The residents here are always appreciative and always telling the nursing staff they are great and how much they appreciate us,” Ms Piper says.
“They laugh, cry with us and create a sense of family and community which makes a wonderful setting to come to work each day.”
Geraldine Webster, VMCH Residential Services General Manager, described nurses as the ‘heartbeat’ of aged care.
“Our nurses are well-trained, knowledgeable and play a significant role in maintaining the wellbeing of residents through all aspects of health care and social and spiritual needs,” she says.
“It’s important each year to stop and acknowledge the contribution and dedication of nurses and their important role in strengthening health systems, as well as supporting the lives of residents and families.”
