Meet Amanda; Calvary Brighton's Clinical Care Coordinator
Amanda’s mum moved back to Australia, leaving Amanda in Poland with her stepfather. This was a really difficult period for a lot of reasons. Amanda’s stepfather was abusive throughout her teenage years. He then eventually kicked her out the family home, leaving her homeless.
Despite these challenges, Amanda managed to continue with her studies. Just six months out from completing her nursing degree, it all became too much. Amanda stopped studying and focused on saving enough money to return to Australia.
In 2002, Amanda moved to Perth. Unfortunately life and financial struggles meant her career wasn’t a priority. She was focused on earning what money she could for her young and growing family - doing odd jobs like ironing, delivering catalogues and cleaning just to make ends meet.
Four years after arriving back in Australia, Amanda got the itch to go back to nursing but without a diploma or degree, Amanda decided to instead become a carer at an aged care home. She loved it – caring for people was what she always wanted to do. But life had other plans for her and again she was pulled away from working in aged care. Her marriage also broke down.
Years passed, and after moving to Adelaide with her new partner, Amanda decided it was time to once again prioritise her career. As the idea of becoming a registered nurse scared her, Amanda decided to instead study a Diploma of Enrolled Nursing.
A decision to join aged care
Amanda said going back into aged care with her extra qualification was an easy choice.
“After having my placements for enrolled nursing, I just knew that my heart wasn’t in hospitals. I knew my place was in aged care,” Amanda said.
Four months after completing her Diploma in Nursing, Amanda applied and was successful in getting an enrolled nursing position at Calvary Brighton's aged care facility. She said it was fate.
“I drove past Calvary Brighton when we just moved to Adelaide and I asked my husband what the place was. We didn’t know. I just had this real pull and I said to him, I feel like I am going to work here one day,” Amanda said.
While working at Calvary Brighton, Amanda made the decision to achieve her lifelong goal by furthering her studies to become a Registered Nurse.
The journey to becoming a registered nurse
Amanda credits the support from her colleagues and loved ones for helping her through a step she was always afraid of taking.
“I was given the opportunities to step up and learn new skills. From teaching me the clinical side of things early on and to recognising my potential – the support from Calvary and my husband Chris 100 per cent helped get me here,” Amanda said.
“Mentally the staff here and management were so supportive. They even put up a countdown for how many days left I had left of degree.
“I saw a goal at the end and would keep telling myself ‘Amanda when you finish, that is what is waiting for you – your dream job.”
Amanda completed her Registered Nursing degree in November last year, and took up the position of Calvary Brighton’s Clinical Coordinator.
“It is my dream job. This is what I’ve worked for ever since I started my journey back in Poland,” Amanda said.
A Q&A with Amanda
Can you provide us with some insight into a typical day at work for you in aged care?
As one of the Clinical Care Coordinators at Calvary Brighton, I ensure all residents’ needs are met and the staff are happy and managing their responsibilities.
My day normally starts with doing a quick round where I chat with residents to see they are getting what they need, before checking in with staff and making any referrals that need actioning. Ensuring we have supplies and equipment ordered is also part of my morning routine.
I then get on with the rest of my day which includes conducting audits, updating spreadsheets, assisting with meal rounds and connecting with families to make sure they’re feeling supported.
What inspired you to take up a career in aged care?
I always wanted to work in aged care for as long as I remember. Initially I had dreams of becoming a geriatrician, however, I found it challenging to progress into medical studies due to some challenges in my earlier years.
How has the work changed over the years?
I have been fortunate enough to be working in the aged care industry for almost 20 years, and I’ve seen a number of changes. Over this time, I feel person centred care has been the most significant change. It has shaped the way we provide care to our residents at Calvary.
What inspires you to continue working and delivering compassionate care despite the challenges?
I think challenges and problem-solving are central to our role as a nurse. There is always a solution.
What is your message to people who may be considering entering the industry?
I’d encourage anyone considering a career change to give it a go. Working with the elderly is life-changing. I’ve had some beautiful conversations with my residents throughout my career and they have shaped who I am today. The biggest reward is the honour of caring for another human in their final chapters of life.
What things do you like to do outside of work?
I am a mother of four beautiful children, so I love spending time with my family. I like to construct miniature buildings, cook, and I dabble in photography in my spare time.
