Join us as we meet some of our amazing aged care workers.
Sheryle’s journey with BaptistCare Griffith spans more than 17 years, and during that time she’s worn many hats.
After supporting our residents at BaptistCare Griffith residential aged care home as a care worker for five years, she decided to become an Enrolled Nurse, gaining the qualification in her mid-fifties. She says it’s one of her proudest achievements. 🏆
After 12 years of nursing, Sheryle now supports the Griffith care home team as Training and Quality Coordinator, sharing her many years of knowledge with other staff.
Here’s what she had to say about her career to date:
How did you become a Training and Quality Coordinator in residential aged care?
I stepped into the role of Training and Quality Coordinator five years ago and I’ve enjoyed the change and variety. I love being able to share all my years of knowledge with our younger staff.
I started out as a carer, working on the floor with residents. I did that for 5 years and loved my work – I was always wanting to learn more.
Five years later, in my early 50s, I decided to enrol on a course to become an Enrolled Nurse. It took me two and a half years, but getting that qualification is one of my greatest achievements.
I’d always wanted to be a nurse since childhood.
I worked for 12 years as a nurse, caring for residents’ clinical needs, and managing medications.
In my current role, I don’t spend as much time with the residents and I do miss that element. However, my office door is always open, and residents pop in regularly for a chat and a cup of tea.
Working on the dementia ward means that for many residents, I’m a new face each day. However, one resident remembers me - he used to be a security guard and has reverted back to that role – always coming to check on me in the morning, and making sure I’m safe, which is lovely.
How would you sum up your job in a few sentences?
I provide training to our employees on anything from infection outbreaks and manual handling to the latest aged care standards. There’s always something new to learn or brush up on.
Seeing the staff pick up on the information I’ve provided and putting it into practice with our residents is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.
What are your favourite hobbies or passions outside of work?
I enjoy being creative and love knitting, needlecraft, and cross stitch.
My partner and I also like to get involved in the local parkrun. It’s been a great way to make connections in the community and we often join the group afterwards for a catch up over coffee.
Do you have a personal win or achievement you’d be happy to share?
Getting my Certificate of Registration as an Enrolled Nurse at the age of 55 is one of my proudest achievements.
It took me two and a half years to complete the course as I was working part-time alongside my studies – but I always joke that it was because the information took a bit longer to get into my brain at that age!
Do you have a tip for healthy ageing?
Never give up – you can always achieve what you want to achieve. Don’t let age stand in the way.
What do you love about working in aged care?
The holistic approach to care. It’s very different to working in a hospital where you can rarely get to know your patients.
In aged care, you tend to build stronger relationships. You can get to know the residents and their families, including their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
You also get to know the staff well and work in a close-knit team. This kind of environment makes for close bonds and rewarding work.
