12 December 2022

Encouraging people to pursue careers in aged care is critical, as research by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that Australians are living longer and more active lives. The good news is that, according to the 2020 Aged Care Workforce Census, there has been a recent trend with younger workers entering the sector.

If you’re considering a change in career, you may be interested in hearing from other people who have made the decision to work in home care.

So, we spoke to Monique Rutherford, a 29-year-old from Newcastle, about why she loves working as a Community Nurse with Australian Unity and what advice she’d give to those starting out.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I find it very rewarding being able to help people live their best life in their own home. I also really enjoy meeting all the clients and listening to all their stories from their life.

Where did you work before joining Australian Unity? And what makes Australian Unity different to other workplaces?
I worked in hospitals on wards prior to Australian Unity. I love the work/life balance that is encouraged and fostered at Australian Unity. I feel valued and appreciated as a contributing member within the team and always feel supported when I need help or advice in the role.

What qualifications/training do you have?
I am a Registered Nurse (Bachelor of Nursing).

What advice would you tell a new recruit?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help as you’ll be guided and supported through what you need.

What is something that people might not know about Australian Unity?
The workplace culture is the best I’ve ever been a part of, and Australian Unity goes above any other workplace I’ve been at in terms of inclusion and welcoming difference.

Do you have a strong connection with your colleagues?
Yes! Although we work by ourselves day to day, we are always checking in on each other and try to catch up for coffee when we can. Everyone is very supportive of each other and differing workloads, helping on another where we can.

What’s the working week like?
The work week is always very flexible, and fluid as urgent wound referrals are inevitable, so you have to be ready to adjust your schedule around these. I like the autonomy that comes with creating your own schedule and seeing clients when it suits them best.

I feel secure in my job and feel very fortunate to have this position!

What do you look forward to in your role?
I look forward to seeing older clients as well as meeting new ones. I find wound care very rewarding when you can help them regain confidence and normality once it has healed.

How have you grown as a person, or professionally, in your time with Australian Unity?
Due to the autonomy that comes with the role, I have grown to trust my own knowledge more and feel more confident in my own nursing abilities. I have also gained new skills through the teaching from my colleagues and online services.

Do you find the job rewarding or meaningful?
Absolutely! I find it rewarding to help clients live in their own homes independently with the necessary supports in place. I also really enjoy the social side of the job like listening to stories while providing health care or wellbeing checks.

Has anything surprised you in the role?
The role is what I expected it to be but my nursing team, manager, and the clients have exceeded what I could have hoped for.

Join Monique and start your career in the Aged Care industry by viewing our current available opportunities.