Romina’s Story: Celebrating Aged Care Employees Day
Meet Romina Rios Olivares, Clinical Care Coordinator at Whiddon Easton Park
1 August 2023
Romina started her career as an Enrolled Nurse straight out of school and worked in community disability before becoming a Registered Nurse. Romina joined Whiddon nearly 10 years ago as a Registered Nurse and has since progressed into the role of a Clinical Care Coordinator. Romina has discovered a whole new side to aged care that is full of life and vitality, shedding the perceptions of aged care being a dark and lifeless environment.
“I always imagined aged care to be gloomy and hopeless, but I was proven wrong. The industry is full of life and industry with heart. I joined the sector for the flexibility of shifts, but I stayed after seeing how rewarding aged care is. I’ve never looked back,” said Romina.
A day in Romina’s shoes involves overseeing the provision of specialised nursing care to residents and reviewing current clinical care plans to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and staff is maintained.
Romina notes the journey during a resident’s final years and assisting in navigating end-of-life care as one of the most rewarding aspects of her job. This experience has instilled a profound sense of purpose, driving her to provide a high level of care to each resident. Caring for residents during their final years is a unique responsibility that touches the lives of both residents and their families.
“To work in aged care is a privilege not a burden, because we’re part of the final stages of life, just like a birth is an important stage in life, death is equally as important for the resident and their families. The outcome of the end of one’s life cannot be changed but our impact one each individual journey is vital and that’s a big part of what we do here at Whiddon.”
Speaking to her favourite memories at Whiddon, Romina reflects fondly on the many meaningful connections and resident interactions over her 10 years at Whiddon:
“Things happen every day that make feel a sense of fulfillment, whether it’s a simple thank you from a resident or their family for the quality of care provided or seeing a resident smile. These special moments reaffirm my confidence in choosing the right career path.”
“Aged care is an industry filled with life and compassion,” Romina explains.
Romina's journey at Whiddon serves as a testament to the fulfilling and rewarding nature of a career in aged care. Her dedication, compassionate approach, and belief in the significance of providing exceptional care have not only enriched the lives of the residents but also made her a valued member of the Whiddon team.
Romina proudly encourages other nurses considering a role in aged care to go for it, saying “you’ll be proud to work in this industry.”
In the lead-up to Aged Care Employees Day (August 7), Whiddon is proudly sharing stories of exceptional team members to say #ThanksforCaring. Aged Care Employee Day honours the more than 427,000 residential care, home care and retirement living staff who care for 1.5 million older Australians every single day. From direct care workers to the extended allied workforce, Aged Care Employees Day highlights and celebrates the many different roles of those involved in the aged care journey.
About Aged Care Employees (ACE) Day
- Aged Care Employee Day (ACE Day) takes place on August 7 of every year and celebrates the diverse workforce providing quality care to seniors.
- The day, now championed by the Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA), represents more than 427,000 residential care, home care and retirement living staff who care for 1.5 million older Australian’s each day.
- Aged Care Employee Day was announced in 2018 by Australian not-for-profit care provider, Whiddon, as a day to celebrate all workers involved in the journey of caring for people who receive aged care services.
- From direct care workers to the extended allied workforce, Aged Care Employees Day highlights and celebrates the many different roles of those involved in the aged care journey.
- Whiddon initiated Aged Care Employee Day after observing that existing days which celebrate certain parts of the workforce, such as International Nurses Day, were not sufficient to recognise the united efforts of the aged care workforce in delivering care services.
- In 2019, Aged Care Employee Day was recognised as a national event.
About Whiddon
Whiddon is an award-winning care provider with residential care, community care and retirement villages across metropolitan, regional, rural, and remote New South Wales and Southeast Queensland.
Whiddon has been providing exceptional care to older Australians and people with disabilities for more than 75 years, and has grown to be an industry-leading, not-for-profit aged care organisation caring for close to 3,000 customers with over 2,500 employees.
Whiddon is passionate about enriching lives and keeping older people connected to what matters most to them in life. The organisation aims to really understand each person through building deep relationships with them, their family, and their community.
Whiddon proudly partners with academics and universities that are developing the latest thinking, innovation, programs, and training around quality of life and ageing.
