Resthaven thrives in career progression
Since beginning her career with Resthaven four and a half years ago, Sarah Porker has felt supported and encouraged to grow within the organisation, recently being appointed to the position of Continence Nurse Advisor.
‘I started with Resthaven Northern Community Services as a Registered Nurse Coordinator, working with Home Care Package clients in wound care and continence, which I had a keen interest in.’
‘I remember there being only one Continence Nurse Advisor there at the time – and I wanted to do what she was doing!’
‘All I had to do was express my interest in progressing into that role, and I was supported the whole way through by my colleagues and manager to take that next step.’
Sarah chose a career in aged care because, ‘the industry is constantly growing, and job security is a huge factor. And with Resthaven’s range of services, there is always the opportunity to try something new – they truly encourage that here!’
Sarah proudly stepped into her role as Continence Nurse Advisor in June 2021 and couldn’t be happier.
‘I love that my days are never the same, and I have a constant change in scenery, as I work between five different Resthaven sites.’
‘One day I could be working with residents on improving their health and wellbeing, the next I could be educating staff on best practices.’
‘I have always enjoyed connecting with people, and I can do that when I speak with residents and their families. I feel motivated in assisting them towards a better quality of life, providing comfort to them and their families through careful action and long-term planning.’
‘I go home at the end of the day knowing I have made a real difference in people’s lives.’
Established in 1935, Resthaven is a South Australian not-for-profit aged care community service associated with the Uniting Church in Australia.
Every day, Resthaven shares the lives and wisdom of older people and their carers, opening doors to the full range of aged care service options available.
Services are provided throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Fleurieu Peninsula, lower Barossa region and the Limestone Coast of South Australia.