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November 2021
October Healthcare Hero - Katherine
We caught up with Healthcare Hero Katherine to chat about her life as a nurse in the Emergency Department. Read her interview.
Read articleFor our second last month of the International Year of Health and Care Workers, we spoke to Community Occupational Therapist Chloe as part of our Healthcare Hero Competition.
Each month, we give people the chance to nominate their healthcare hero to go in the running to win an eGift card. Find out what Chloe loves most about her job below.
What’s your name and job?
My name is Chloe and I’m a Community Occupational Therapist.
Tell us a little about what you do?
I work with adults living in the community who have been diagnosed with a neurological condition. I work with them in their everyday environments to achieve their personal goals to enhance quality of life.
How long have you been working in your field?
I’m coming up to my second year practising as an Occupational Therapist (OT).
Was this always your dream job? If not, what changed your mind?
I always knew that I wanted to work closely with people and within a job that offers diversity and gives back to the community. OT was the perfect fit for me as no two days are the same and I am afforded the opportunity to work with clients who experience life-changing adversity and provide ways to maximise their independence and confidence within everyday activities.
What do you love most about your job?
I enjoy experiencing the wins that most people would take for granted day to day. Whether it might be making a cup of tea, getting back out in the garden or getting back to the supermarket independently.
The role of OT can be diverse, so I am constantly learning from my colleagues, past experiences and mostly from clients each day.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to get into the field?
I would say having an open and creative mind is essential in this role, no goal is ever achieved in the same way from client to client and this job definitely puts your problem-solving skills to the test.
What’s your wind-down routine after a shift?
After work, I look forward to walking my new puppy Bowie and settling in to watch the latest reality Tv show.
What do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy spending time with my partner and our pup as well as being outdoors and visiting family by the beach when I can.
Have you ever had a patient that has inspired you?
I work with clients on a regular basis who continue to inspire and amaze me, particularly one that comes to mind. I am currently working with a client who experienced a severe stroke 12 months ago whose recovery journey has been long and strenuous.
This client is in his 40’s and was previously reluctant to return to previously loved activities due to a lack of confidence with speech and a change in his physical ability. He is now returning to cooking a meal for his husband, organising weekend outings to his favourite restaurants and is awaiting the arrival of assistive technology which will provide him with the independence to leave the house without physical support.
If you were a superhero, what would your power be?
I would love to be able to read minds, this might take a lot of guesswork out of my job! But then again this would take away the joy of building a trusting rapport with my clients.
Head to our Facebook page to nominate a healthcare hero you know in next month’s competition. December will be the last month we select a nominated healthcare hero to win a $100 gift card. As the person nominating, you’ll also receive a $100 gift card if selected.
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October 2021
September Healthcare Hero - Jess
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