#WeAreNorthern

Meet Stephanie Elliot, Enrolled Nurse, Caladenia Nursing Home, Kilmore District Hospital.

Q: Why and how did you choose your specialty?

A: In Year 9, my class visited a nursing home. During the visit, we were buddied up with a resident, which saw us working with the resident to complete an “about me project” on the resident’s life. Before this I’d never been to a nursing home. Spending that time working alongside the elderly and getting to know their life stories is where my passion for aged care began.

I then completed a Certificate 3 in Allied Health Assistant, before doing placement hours within a nursing home. I also completed a school-based apprenticeship throughout this course. From that time on, I knew I wanted to work within the healthcare field. After graduating from high school, I then enrolled in a diploma in Enrolled Nursing and began working as a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) whilst completing my diploma.

I began at Dianella Hostel at Kilmore District Hospital and the staff at Dianella helped me transition from a PCA to an Enrolled Nurse once I had finished my diploma. I then began working at Caladenia Nursing Home and also took on the role of Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator.

Q: What do you like most about your role?

A: I have such a passion for working alongside the elderly. I love being given the opportunity to make a positive difference in the resident’s day-to-day life and their overall quality of life. I enjoy getting to know the residents, learning their life stories, meeting their families, seeing the smiles on their faces, being able to provide them with the care they deserve and having the opportunity to make a positive difference in their lives, not only for the residents but their family too.

Q: What are some things people don’t know about you?

A: I actually had a serious car accident almost a year ago which caused major injuries and put me out of work for a while. This has had a major impact on my life and many of aspects in my life have changed, but despite these traumatic injuries I’m lucky to be alive and lucky to have been able to return to my work that I love while I continue on my healing journey.

Something that not many people know about me (pre-accident) is that I’m a very athletic and outdoors person. I’m someone that loves being outside whether that’s gardening, mowing or using the chainsaw to cut wood. I ride motorbikes and drive off-road race cars, and I love fishing and camping.

Q: Where is a favourite place you’ve travelled to, and why?

A: Broome – I always wanted to visit Broome after watching the movie Bran Nue Dae. I loved the different scenery and the colours of the beaches.