Becoming a Registered Nurse was ‘the best decision’

Resthaven Marion Community Services Registered Nurse, Kim Long, loves what she does in the community, assisting clients to continue living independently in their own homes for longer.

At the age of 25, Kim discovered the world of aged care when her grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

‘As his condition progressed, I started looking after him more and more,’ says Kim.

‘I realised how fulfilling it was to look after someone in their own home.’

‘I made the jump from hospitality and enrolled in my Certificate III in Aged Care/Community Services, and began working with Resthaven Marion Community Services as a Home Support Worker.’

‘In 2020, after receiving encouragement from my manager at the time [Lee Bennetts], I enrolled in a Bachelor of Nursing at Charles Darwin University.’

‘After graduating, I entered Resthaven’s pilot program, Transition to Professional Practice Program [TPPP].’

The Resthaven TPPP aims to support graduate nurses to transition to a professional aged care environment, and it was certainly beneficial for Kim.

‘It’s a great way to transition into aged care. Even though I already worked as a Home Support Worker, I developed a deeper understanding of the industry, and it grew my confidence as a graduate nurse.’

‘I love working in the community with older people—it’s a real motivator to come to work each day with the aim to keep them in their homes for longer, which is ultimately where they want to be.’

‘If you’re looking for a meaningful career, this is it — it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.’

Resthaven employs more than 3,000 staff across 40 locations in South Australia — discover your future career today.