For registered nurse (RN) Janella Lorenzo, St Peter’s Lane Cove has been a place of growth and self-discovery.
Commencing at St Peter’s in 2011 as a catering assistant with the ambition to become a chef, a calling to care for the elderly residents beyond cooking beckoned.
'Being with older people made me want to become a registered nurse. I wanted to offer more to them, not just serving their food,' said Janella.
Graduating from a Bachelor of Nursing and Business Administration degree in 2021 from the Australian Catholic University (ACU), Janella went on to complete the Australian College of Nursing’s Transition to Practice Program.
The one-year program supports new aged care nurses with training and professional development including mentorship.
'They give you a mentor - either a senior RN or in my case it was my care manager, so if there's any questions or an activity [to complete], we can go to our mentor to get advice,' she said.
'What I can say is being a registered nurse is a tough job, but it's a very satisfying job. Realising that you have helped older people and that you have changed their lives before they go is very special,' Janella Lorenzo.
St Peter’s is home to 93 residents, and Janella takes care of one floor, comprising 27 residents.
A typical day for Janella starts with a handover from the morning RN, completing her rounds as a registered nurse and later assisting residents during dinner.
'Though the shifts are full on, I still make time to chat with the residents as they really need social interaction,' she said.
With a double degree under her belt, and as a mother of a two-year-old, Janella has plans of one day becoming a care manager of a residential aged care home.
'The culture at Catholic Healthcare is great, I'm happy working at Catholic Healthcare. You're never on your own if you need help and there is so much support!'
To find out more about a career in nursing at Catholic Healthcare, visit: https://www.catholichealthcare.com.au/about-us/careers/