Meet the DON - Yvonne Wales

vonne Wales recently made the move from Rockingham, where she was Director of Nursing, to busy Agmaroy where she takes on a new challenge.Y

L&L: How long have you been working in aged care, and what drew you to the profession?

YW: I have been working in aged care for around 20 years. I started as a carer at Agmaroy, then proceeded to become an enrolled nurse and then a Registered Nurse with the encouragement and support from the previous owner, Alma Martin. She was a mother figure to me who always guided me in the right direction. I still seek Alma’s advice on career moves.

I was drawn to the profession to promote social connectedness to the elderly, to help make our elders feel safe and comfortable. The sense of belonging and feeling at home enables a better quality of life.

L&L: When did you join Hall & Prior and in what capacity?

YW: I was fortunate to work at Agmaroy before Hall & Prior took over, and after that, I started working at McDougall Park Aged Care Home in 2009 as an RN before becoming a CNM.

L&L: What do you particularly enjoy about your role – and what are the challenges you face?

YW: I enjoy the diversity of my role, the challenges that the role brings, and the excitement of the various duties that are required to be undertaken.

L&L: What made you want to move from Rockingham to Agmaroy – and so far, how do the two homes differ/what are their similarities?

YW: I was looking for a new challenge and it was the right time for me to make a move and allow someone else to start their journey into management at Rockingham. I would like to thank the team at Rockingham for being so committed, dedicated and supportive. For me, it was time for a change. Agmaroy is the home where I started my nursing career - my children also worked at Agmaroy when they were younger. You could say I have always had a soft spot for the place.

L&L: On a day-to-day basis, what makes your role special and how do you plan on inspiring staff at Agmaroy?

YW: I would like to provide a legacy that embeds the systems and processes required to satisfy the new face of aged care.

L&L: If somebody was contemplating a career in aged care, what advice would you give them?

YW: I would say to do it, it is a great area of nursing to be a part of. It’s a very challenging but rewarding profession, being able to help and assist the elderly.

L&L: What kind of leader/DON are you – how do you think your colleagues would describe you?

YW: I am hoping they would see me as kind, present and available to them.

L&L: What makes for a good day in aged care in your chosen career path – and how do you keep smiling in the face of everyday life and death situations encountered in aged care?

YW: I try not to think of life and death but be a part of the living and providing the quality of life. Although death is a part of our business, we must encourage an environment of love and belonging in order to continue keeping smiles on our faces.

L&L: What plans do you have for Agmaroy – and how do you relax when you get home?

YW: I have already started progressing change and will continue to implement positive changes within the home. I want Agmaroy to feel like a home where family and staff are comfortable and happy to be a part of a team. I relax at home by spending time with my grandchildren, Jakob and Korbyn, whom I adore.

To find out more about Agmaroy, visit hallprior.com.au.