New kid on the ‘nursing block’

For someone who had no idea what career they wanted to pursue when they left school, Emily Dewsbury has found her feet in aged care.

“After I left school I didn’t know what I wanted to do so I took a leap of faith and thought I’m going to do aged care then work my way up,” she said. 

The 20 year old (pictured) has worked at Northridge Salem for a year while completing a Certificate III Aged Care and has also applied to study nursing at University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba this year.

Ms Dewsbury loves her job as an assistant in nursing and helping care for older Australians.

“It was a good experience the first time I walked into an aged care service and I just love it now,” she said.

“Making the residents smile and being able to do things for them is a gift. I felt myself change and grow gaining a lot more confidence and I feel more mature.

“It has been a really lovely experience for me and I’ve loved every second of it.”

The Meringandan West resident enjoys the variety of tasks her job provides.

“It can include anything form showering to cutting residents’ nails or taking them out for walks in the garden on a nice sunny day,” she said.

“You build bonds with the residents, get attached to them and they feel like family. One resident encouraged me when I started and said you’re going to be great nurse.

“Every day is a different day but I go home and feel like I’ve made a difference.” 

Her advice for other young people considering hoping to embark on a career in nursing in the aged care industry is to “give it a go”.

“Hands on experience and learning on the job and outside the classroom is the best way to gain practical training,” Ms Dewsbury said.

“You’ve got to be patient and willing to be there for residents. It’s also important to have good mentors along the way,” she added.

Northridge Salem director of nursing, Maxine Noone, said she felt proud of Ms Dewsbury’s professional development.

“She has become a great member of our team and the residents love being cared for by her,” Ms Noone said.

“She is proof aged care can be attractive for younger people and there is certainly opportunity for the young staff to grow and develop professionally.

“Students who leave school should consider a career in aged care as it is a growth industry and offers many rewards.”