About Cindy
Cindy made a career change to the Health Care and Social Assistance industry 5 years ago, using her prior qualifications to begin working in aged care. She is now studying a Bachelor of Nursing to further her career in the industry. Cindy loves the variety of her work.
“Working my way through the industry has allowed me to see how things operate from different perspectives and learn about the different streams in the industry.”
What was your pathway to aged care?
About 5 years ago, an opportunity to change industries presented itself. Health has always been something I have had an interest in.
My previous experience, existing qualifications, willingness to learn sufficed for my first role, and I have gained additional skills through my employment and development at work to step up into higher roles. I’m currently furthering my qualifications with further studies.
Started working in aged care.
Started working as a Facilities Manager.
Started studying Bachelor of Nursing.
Working up through the industry
Starting in a lower role and progressing through the industry as you learn and develop skills is a great way for those wanting to get into an industry when you do not have the qualifications you may require for your preferred role.
What does a typical work day look like?
I live rurally and drive 2km to my place of work. I greet my residents and staff and check in on how they all are, I chat with any residents who want to chat. Then, I move to my office for meetings and conferences with families, and work on compliance materials, budgets, rosters and staffing. Not one day is the same as the next or previous in aged care.
Supportive relationships with colleagues and residents
I work with very passionate people who love what they do. We love to have fun, joke and smile – we are a big family. Acknowledging our successes and achievements is important as this builds a respectful, accepting workplace. Depending on your role within the industry, flexible working requests are accommodated with flexible working arrangements.
The demands of governance and compliance
It is a demanding industry with heavy governance and compliance. This can be challenging if people feel like it adds to the workload.
Documentation is an important part of all areas within the aged care industry, and a variety of systems are used. The systems vary from organisation to organisation and task to task. Technology is an important part of continuous improvement within the industry.
“It is important to me to be approachable to my residents and staff. Residents enjoy having someone to talk to, and this helps me be a better manager.”
Cindy's career tips
Put people at the centre
The important attributes for working in aged care are good people skills, compassion, a good work ethic and critical thinking.
Be ready for lots of variety
I wish more people knew how rewarding it is to work in aged care, and how no 2 days are the same. The industry is fast-paced and the work is not always easy, as is the case with the health industry in general.
Be prepared for change
Changes and developments will continue within the aged care sector. As the next generation ages and needs to use aged care, the requirements and needs of our client base will change and services will adapt to meet those needs.
Keep your mind open to training and study
I am completing a Bachelor of Nursing to increase the scope of my expertise and improve my management skills. After completing my nursing degree, I plan to complete my Masters in Dementia.
No matter how you enter the industry, there is room to learn, grow and develop skills if you are willing to put in the work. I wish I had not underestimated myself and commenced further studies earlier.
Frequently asked questions
Because of the need to keep documentation, it is useful to be proficient in using software such as Microsoft Office. This will be a helpful foundation when you are introduced to the apps and software used in your aged care workplace. It is also useful to have knowledge about workplace health and safety, although you will learn a lot about this at TAFE, university or on the job.
You can enter aged care with a TAFE qualification in Individual Support or Ageing Support, or a university degree (usually a Bachelor of Nursing). Your first role in aged care may be as a personal care or support worker. In these roles, you would assist clients with bathing, dressing and cooking or other domestic tasks. Aged care nursing is a different pathway. Aged care nurses might get involved in managing clients with chronic pain or health conditions and dementia.
Aged care can be heavy work, both physically and emotionally. On the physical side, you can be on your feet for long hours and completing manual tasks when helping clients with personal care. On the emotional side, your clients are looking to you for companionship as well as support with daily tasks. So being a good listener, being patient and having a sense of humour are all critical.
Empathy is essential in aged care. Our role is to support the independence, wellbeing and dignity of residents. All of this begins with empathy, or in other words, understanding their situations. It is also essential for communicating with family members, who have their own feelings and concerns about their loved ones.
I am in touch with networks through my workplace and study that share information on webinars and relevant articles. The Aged Care Industry Association and the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care also run regular professional development seminars and courses.
There are traineeships, work experience and work placements available to help people get a taste of the industry and gain experience that can help them secure their first job. Once people are in the industry, I would say some of the best support can come from your colleagues. Having people who understand the demands of working in aged care, who you can talk to on days that are challenging, makes a huge difference.
Additional questions about Health Care and Social Assistance?
NSW Careers has a team of industry experts who can talk to you one-on-one about what it’s like to work in this industry.
