6 minute read
Meet The Staff
from Life & Love Issue 26
by Hall & Prior
with Sujana Shrestha Pradhan, Registered Nurse at Bexley Aged Care Home
Sujana Shrestha Pradhan is a Registered Nurse at NSW’s Bexley Aged Care Home who in her spare time, loves watching colourful Hindi movies and listening to Celine Dion.
L&L: What made you want to become a nurse?
SSP: After I finished my school certificate my father told me I should become a nurse to help people in the community. He explained the importance of helping people so it made me want to become a nurse.
L&L: What does the World Health Organisation's International Year of the Nurse & Midwife mean to you?
SSP: It gives focus to what we do. We are always happy to have more education and information from the World Health Organisation.
L&L: How long have you worked at Hall & Prior?
SSP: Bexley was purchased by Hall & Prior in April 2020 but I started working at the home as an AIN in 2009. I took up my role as a registered nurse here in 2018.
L&L: How long have you worked in aged care?
SSP: I started in aged care in 2009 so I’ve worked in the industry for 11 years.
L&L: What does an average day look like for you?
SSP: Our days are very busy so we need to work as a team to give good care to our residents.
We need to use our time management skills, prioritise tasks and communicate with each other to get the most out of our work days.
L&L: Tell us one part of your job that makes you feel really rewarded and connected to those you care for?
SSP: I am particularly proud when residents give us positive feedback and when we work as a team achieving great results. A fond memory I have is when I was awarded the 2010 Employee Award for compassion in my work.
L&L: What’s the best piece of advice you ever got about caring from others and from who?
SSP: Always manage your time wisely, continue to learn and know your limitations.
L&L: What do you think aged care will look like in the future?
SSP: Technology will bring many changes in our systems. An increase in time management and evidence-based procedures.
L&L: What’s the best thing about working at your aged care home?
SSP: Working in our team at Bexley. I am also enjoying working with Hall & Prior procedures.
L&L: What do you wish people understood more about aged care?
SSP: I wish there was more understanding about the compassion and care we give to our residents every day. I would also like the general public to know more about the positive stories that come out of aged care homes.
FAST FACTS
If I wasn't a nurse I would be . . . a housewife or I would run my own online business at home.
My favourite song - My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion.
My favourite movie - I enjoy Hindi Bollywood movies.
When I’m not at work, you’ll often find me . . . at home cooking and decorating. I am looking forward to being able to entertain my friends again in the future.
2020 INTERNATIONALYEAR OF THE NURSE AND THE MIDWIFE
Bianca Meek has worked in aged care from a young age - just 14 in fact - and working at Rockingham Aged Care Home and now in her new role as Clinical Nurse Manager at Hamersley Aged Care Home, she’s challenged every day.
L&L: What made you want to become a nurse?
BM: I followed in my mum’s footsteps. Growing up, I saw how much she loved her job and being able to take care of people who needed her, so I wanted to do the same. I love being able to make people feel better and ensure they are cared for as they age.
L&L: What does the World Health Organisation's International Year of the Nurse and Midwife mean to you?
BM: It celebrates the 200th year since the birth of Florence Nightingale. I feel that it’s important that WHO recognises the work and dedication that nurses and midwives around the world provide. I appreciate that there are people that recognise what we do.
L&L: How long have you worked at Hall & Prior?
BM: I have worked at Hall & Prior since November 2019 as a Registered Nurse but also worked in the Group’s Agmaroy and McDougall Park homes as a carer from 2014 to 2015.
L&L: How long have you worked in aged care and what drew you to it?
BM: One of my first jobs was in aged care. I started working as a kitchen hand at Agmaroy Aged Care Home when I was 14 years old. My mum has always worked in aged care and I have been involved in many Christmas parties and special events in aged care homes as a child. I have always enjoyed the atmosphere and love being able to bring happiness to the elderly.
L&L: What does an average day look like for you?
BM: In a typical day as a nurse in aged care, I perform all of my regular nursing duties as well as also providing emotional and physical support for residents and staff in need of extra assistance. I am required to apply critical thinking in a variety of situations to ensure the best outcome for our residents. I am an advocate for our residents who may be unable to voice their needs, and I work within a multidisciplinary team to ensure their needs are met.
L&L: Tell us one part of your job which makes you feel rewarded and connected to those who you care for.
BM: We work with consumers who are often unable to voice their needs or communicate with you but after working with them over a period of time, they are able to recognise that you are the person who can help them and feel safe coming to you when they need assistance. After observing their behaviours and getting to know them, I’m able to understand their nonverbal and physical cues and provide them with the care that they require.
L&L: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received about caring and from whom?
BM: To care for everyone the way that you would if it were your own family member. To treat them with the same love and respect that you would expect for your own family. My mother told me this and I try to live up to it every day.
L&L: What’s the best thing about working at your particular home?
BM: The homely atmosphere. The staff are so friendly and we are all like one big family. The staff all show so much care for the residents and really enjoy what they do.
L&L: What do you wish people understood more about aged care?
BM: I wish they understood that each resident who comes into aged care is an individual and that it takes time to get to know them as they were before they came into aged care. The team of staff that provide them with care want to know about their history, likes, dislikes and hobbies to ensure they are happy and comfortable during this new stage of their life.
L&L: What do you think aged care will look like in the future?
BM: I believe that a lot more people will be staying at home longer so I think they will be coming into aged care much older. We currently have quite young residents.
FAST FACTS
My favourite song - Choir by Guy Sebastian.
My favourite movie - Happy Gilmore.
When I’m not at work, you’ll often find me . . . with my husband and son, going to the park or on family outings.
2020 INTERNATIONALYEAR OF THE NURSE AND THE MIDWIFE