Join us as we meet some of our amazing aged care workers.
Meet Susan, Care Team Manager at BaptistCare Niola residential aged care home in Parkes, New South Wales.
With 30 years of nursing experience behind her, Susan recently decided to make the transition from the acute sector into aged care, joining BaptistCare in March.
She’s already making waves, having moved from her initial role as a Registered Nurse on the care home floor to Care Team Manager in just a matter of months, a position that now sees her manage a large team of care workers and nurses.
Embracing a new world of nursing
Like many in her position, Susan found that working in emergency meant long, tiring days, a highly pressured environment, and the inability to really get to know her patients.
“It was about getting people out as quickly as possible – that’s what success looks like in the acute sector,” she explains. “We get people in, resolve their problem as best as we can, and then move them on to regain the bed space. It can feel very impersonal.”
Susan says that aged care is a whole new world in comparison.
“It’s a slower pace and your residents are here long-term. So there is time and space to really build meaningful relationships and witness the difference you are making in their lives.”
Dropping shift work when she moved into aged care, Susan now works the same hours each day, arriving home to her family happy, relaxed, and fulfilled.
Stepping up – embracing new opportunities
Susan was only with BaptistCare for four months before her Care Team Manager (CTM) took maternity leave. Identifying an opportunity for a new challenge and her own professional development, she applied for the role and was successful, moving into a more senior position that now sees her manage a large team of care workers and nurses at Niola.
“My new role as CTM is challenging but very rewarding,” says Susan. “I manage a team, which I’ve not done before, and even though I’m often operating out of my comfort zone, I’m developing new skills and growing professionally which is exciting.”
A Coastie at heart
Having grown up on the coast of New South Wales, Susan is a true ocean lover, enjoying regular breaks away to the beach for swimming, surfing, and long walks by the water whenever she gets the chance.
She adores her family, calling her three young adult children her greatest achievement in life. She also enjoys taking her two rambunctious pups out and about with her - a gorgeous Australian Kelpie and a mixed-breed rescue with cheeky tendencies!
Susan is passionate about fitness too, having taken on big challenges such as Sydney’s City2Surf event and a 60 kilometre fundraising walk for the Fred Hollows Foundation!
Susan’s tip for healthy ageing?
According to Susan, it’s about staying physically active and moving your body as much as you can.
“Exercise is just as important for your mental health,” she says. “Try to keep your mind active and challenged, eat healthily, but don’t be afraid to enjoy the odd treat here and there! They are important too.”
