Sisters love working in aged care

The two sisters work side-by-side at Southern Cross Care's Orana Residential Care Home in Deniliquin, one of five of the provider’s homes in the Riverina.

"It's a great place to work — it's a challenge, but that is what makes it so rewarding. You build close relationships with the residents," Karina said.

Karina always knew she wanted to work in aged care. In fact, she was 14 when she first began her caring journey.

She joined Southern Cross Care in 2019 as a carer and is currently studying for the next step in her career as an endorsed enrolled nurse. With the support of Southern Cross Care, Karina is able to pursue her nursing dreams.

"It is such a supportive workplace — I'm managing to study full-time, three days a week and keep working,“ she said.

“Working while studying will make me a better nurse — the team is always ready to help explain things I'm learning about."

Karina isn't the only one taking on new studies. Her sister Cara is also taking advantage of Southern Cross Care's education support to become a registered nurse.

"I've always been supported to study and advance my skills in the aged care sector,“ Cara said.

“I joined Southern Cross Care as a care service employee, then qualified as an enrolled nurse. Now I am continuing on to do a bachelor to become a registered nurse and Southern Cross Care’s support makes it possible."

Cara said while it was a juggle managing kids, work and study, she was well supported and passionate about the industry she works in.

"I would love to see more people join the industry — because it really is rewarding, and there are great careers to be had.”

Nurses in the aged care sector are crucial to the clinical decision-making process and in fulfilling the health needs of residents.

"To anyone who is interested in nursing, I would say don't shy away from aged care,“ Cara said.

“A lot of people may not have much experience with older people but they've so much to share."

A not-for-profit aged care provider, which is run and led by nurses, Southern Cross Care has a singular focus on supporting residents to age with dignity and vitality.

As an enrolled nurse and team leader at the Deniliquin home, Cara said a highlight of her job was learning from the residents.

"There is so much to learn from the residents, when you have the opportunity to interact with these people day-to-day," she said.

The sisters are among a large group of Southern Cross Care staff in the Riverina who are taking advantage of the aged care provider’s generous education support programs.

As part of the provider's commitment to staff's career development and progression, Southern Cross Care offers a range of training, education and development programs.

Learning takes on a multi-level approach, with internal and external courses supported, as well as relevant tertiary study.

Support includes paid study and examination leave, as well as flexibility to fit in class times.

Chief executive officer Helen Emmerson, who is a nurse herself, said the sector offered a range of opportunities for people.

"Working in aged care is so much more than bingo and cups of tea. As a registered nurse myself I find it truly engaging,” she said.

Helen said it was this focus on care which gave all staff the opportunity to develop and acquire skills and progress their careers.

"At Southern Cross Care we want to see our staff thrive — we're always looking for new ways to support education and learning.

"We are also always looking for people who are curious about aged care and want to give it a try. We will support people to get the training they need to commence in this fulfilling career."

For Karina and Cara, their own career paths have meant they not only get to do a job they love, but they get to work together.

"I don't really see her as my sister at work. But we do know each other so well — it works really well," Cara said.

Karina agrees.

"We've been well supported at Southern Cross Care — it's a great team that pulls together. But it's always great when we work together."

Southern Cross Care is recruiting for enrolled nurses, endorsed enrolled nurses, registered nurses, care service employees and support staff across the Riverina. To join the teams in Corowa, Deniliquin, Lavington, Leeton or Moama, visit sccliving.org.au/join-us/make-a-difference or call 1800 860 456.