From Carer to Care Coordinator – Noelene’s 22 year career story
In April 2018, Resthaven Leabrook Care Coordinator, Noelene Hoeper, will retire after 22 years of service to Resthaven.
Noelene’s story is inspiring, not just because of her long service, but because she started as a personal carer. With hard work and support from Resthaven, Noelene worked her way forward to become a Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse, and finally, Care Coordinator.
Noelene says, ‘I started at Resthaven Leabrook as a personal carer in 1996. I loved being a carer, but after five years, it was time for a change, and I decided to go to university and study for my nursing degree.’
‘After I’d completed my degree, I worked at Resthaven Westbourne Park, doing three night shifts a week. I also relieved at Resthaven Malvern and did some shifts at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. This was great grounding for a newly graduated Registered Nurse.’
‘A while later, I had a call from the Resthaven Leabrook Care Coordinator at that time, offering me some night shifts, which I was very happy to accept.’
‘It felt like coming home to return to Resthaven Leabrook; the staff team welcomed me back, and were quite happy to work with me as a Registered Nurse.’
‘I think that’s because I’d been a carer and knew a lot about the role – I really have respect for everything the carers do, because I’ve been one myself.’
‘I enjoyed working as an RN, so when the Clinical Nurse role became available, I was keen to take up that challenge – I was already doing many of the nursing assessments and other documentation too.’
‘When the former Manager took some leave, and the Care Coordinator at the time acted in her role, they asked me if I would step in to the Care Coordinator role.’
‘It was meant to be for just a short time, but it ended up being nine months!’
‘I learned a lot during that period.’
‘I went back to the CN role for two years, then, when there was an internal move of the Care Coordinator, I was encouraged to apply for the CC role. I applied and was successful.’
‘It was a huge learning curve for me; starting out as a carer, and ending up on the site management team. However, I’ve been so well supported by Resthaven throughout it all.’
‘They provided me with management and leadership courses to support me in the CC role.’
‘Resthaven has excellent systems in place, a good support network, great training, and encourages staff to take up that training.’
‘They are really committed to continuous improvement; we are always encouraged to look for ways to improve our service, which is so important.’
‘It’s all about working as a team, respecting each other, and treating others as you would like to be treated.’
‘The support from Head Office to the sites is really great.’
‘It’s been an amazing journey to go from carer to RN, to CN, to CC; I’ve had such a wonderful team to work with, and I feel really blessed to have been part of the lives of so many colleagues and residents.’
‘The Resthaven Leabrook community has been such a big part of my life – I think I’ve spent more time here than I have at home!’
‘However, I’m looking forward to doing more gardening, spending time with family, and welcoming a second grandchild soon.’
‘It’s been a privilege to work for Resthaven, and I’ll miss everyone very much.’
‘But don’t worry, I’ll be sure to come back and visit!’