Determined trainee becomes Registered Nurse
‘A great sense of doing good,’ says RN, Melinda
When Melinda Sporton was 26, and selling carpets for a living, she decided that she ‘had to make a change.’
‘I’d always liked aged care,’ she says, ‘So I decided to do a traineeship. After I’d finished that, I became a Personal Care Assistant here at Resthaven Craigmore.’
‘I really liked it – this home has a great atmosphere, and staff were very supportive during my traineeship.’
‘It’s a good community, everyone works together.’
‘Even though I loved being a Personal Care Assistant, I wanted to progress – I’ve always enjoyed learning.’
‘So I studied and became an Enrolled Nurse, and when I’d completed that qualification, I signed up for the Registered Nurse course at UniSA.’
Perseverance paid off for Melinda.
‘It took me six years to complete, but I finally graduated as a Registered Nurse in January 2018.’
‘Resthaven is great for staff education, and there’s always room to move around. It’s such a supportive environment.’
In a twist of fate, Resthaven Craigmore Manager Residential Services, Roger Levi, has shared Melinda’s journey.
‘Melinda accessed a range of support available in the Resthaven Graduate Nurse Program during the time in which I was the Resthaven Manager Workforce Development,’ says Roger, who started as Manager Resthaven Craigmore in June 2018 after a five-year stint at Resthaven Head Office.
‘Melinda attended the professional development sessions and enjoyed the benefits of having a mentor to support her.’
Melinda says, ‘My mentor, Hannah, came to the home and worked alongside me as I learned the ropes.’
‘She offered me support and advice, and was always available via email if I had any questions.’
Melinda is now well settled into her Registered Nurse role, and continues thrive in her aged care career, more than ten years in.
‘I really enjoy working for the older generation. In aged care, you get to know a person, and their families,’ she says.
‘Working for Resthaven, there’s a great sense of doing good, and helping others.’
That’s what it’s all about.