On International Nurse's Day we’re sending our heartfelt thanks to all our Registered Nurses (RN) for their ongoing care and compassion, supporting the people we care for, every day.
With this year’s theme “Our Nurses. Our Future”, we chatted to RN Sanjit from HammondCare Horsley, recently nominated for an employee award - for her positive attitude and passion for achieving the best outcome for residents. Sanjit shares insights about her time with HammondCare.
My path to a future with HammondCare
I am originally from Fiji and my family and I are very grateful for the opportunity the organisation has provided us through sponsorship. I started with HammondCare as a student nurse at Hammondville, a role I worked in for three years. Then I moved my family to the Hunter Valley to join the teams at Strathearn House and Strathearn Village.
Later, we relocated to the Wollongong area as my daughter was accepted into university there. HammondCare has provided me with the flexibility to grow my career, in tandem with my family’s changing needs. At Horsley I am currently manager and clinical advisor for both Preston and Streeton cottages. I love my job, and working with the Horsley team – no two days are the same – I enjoy the challenge; the residents’ needs always come first.
A big part of my role as an RN and clinical advisor is developing ongoing relationships with residents and their families; I enjoy regular contact with them throughout their time here, from admission to when they leave our care. It is a rewarding relationship, spanning a number of years in most cases, very different from a hospital environment.
I was a stay at home mum for eight years prior to becoming an international student, and studying while I was working. I had to overcome anxiety with being an older student, and also face the challenges of English being my second language.
Why I wanted to work for HammondCare
I’m a spiritual person, and I was inspired by our founder Rev Bob Hammond and his vision to be of service at a grass roots level. I grew up with a family member who required unique care to fit his personal circumstances, so looking after people in need comes naturally to me.
My co-workers are like my family too – they share in my compassion and professionalism. Every day I come to work is a joyous experience; I’ve always felt welcome at HammondCare.
