Meet Belinda, RN/Aged Care Operations Manager

Belinda is a proud Wemba Wemba woman and also one of our hard-working Jimbelunga Nursing Centre Registered Nurses. She’s also our Aged Care Operations Manager.

What is the most rewarding part of your role? 
As a nurse, it’s seeing an overall improvement in the health and happiness of residents and families. It’s also knowing I have made a positive difference in someone’s day, maybe even life. As a manager, it’s seeing young nurses get the same pleasure out of caring that I do. I also love watching their passion for nursing grow. It’s exciting.

What prompted you to get into this industry?
I started in aged care when I was 14 as a personal care worker. When I finished my nursing degree I moved into the hospitals, however I always worked in aged-care at some capacity. I guess because I’ve always had a passion for aged care, particularly in the areas of dementia and palliative care.  As a Wemba Wemba woman, I’ve always wanted to be able to make a difference in Aboriginal peoples’ health and lives. Working for ATSICHS is the first time in my career I’ve felt able to contribute and use my experience, education and passion to make a positive difference for my people.

Share a moment when you made a difference to a resident’s day
Every day I believe I make a difference. It might be by increasing services or assisting relatives and residents through the difficult transition of going into care. Sometimes it’s ensuring enough qualified staff to care for them, or simply having a dance or laugh with someone in the hallway. Their smiles, hugs and happiness and their improved health are all daily reminders of how we can make a difference. In fact, anyone that walks through the door of Jimbelunga can make a difference to those that live here.

Who inspires you?
My Mum inspires me every day to take care of those who are unable to care or speak for themselves. She is the best nurse and advocate I know.

What advice would you give young people thinking about a nursing career?
Do it. I can’t think of anything else that would be as rewarding and versatile in both role and hours, or as secure as nursing in the world. There really is an area of nursing that is suitable for anyone. I know I am very fortunate to love what I do. And I believe that nursing has the flexibility to be a rewarding career for everyone.

Hobbies outside of work?
When I’m not at work I enjoy time with my friends and family. I have three children who keep me busy.