A Day in the Life of… Paula Reid

After Paula Reid commenced her career in nursing, she discovered that alongside her keen interest in chronic health conditions, she also thoroughly enjoyed caring for older people. So when she made a move from the city to a rural area, she immediately sought a nursing opportunity within the aged care sector.

“I found that through this work, I could develop my comprehensive assessment skills. But rather than focusing simply on a disease, I was able to take a more holistic approach — seeking to understand the individual, their health and independence, and also acknowledging their life story,” Paula said.

Now the Clinical Lead at the Resthaven Community Services Murray Mallee Hills Region & Fleurieu Region, Paula works to ensure that the professional standards of contemporary nursing practice are in line with Resthaven’s policies and procedures. In addition, she provides clinical support and guidance to the Resthaven nursing team and its home support workers.

“The tasks I do vary from day to day,” Paula said. “But I generally start my day by reviewing any consumers who have had issues over the weekend and previous day, including a review of high-risk clients and incidents to make sure that remedial and preventative action has been put in place. This may require consultation with the consumer and their representatives and other health professionals.”

Over time, Paula has witnessed multiple changes taking place within the aged care section. For instance, she has seen alterations made to funding instruments, and subsequent improvements in the programs delivered to Resthaven’s aged consumers.

“The consumer’s needs have changed and accordingly, the Aged Care Quality Standards have changed,” she said.

“Nursing and the need to continue to provide best practice care are continually evolving. Completing assessments that identify health issues — and being involved in working with the person to achieve positive outcomes — continues to be a real focus, as we support older people to exercise their choice and independence while recognising their cultural, spiritual and physical needs.”

Witnessing the positive outcomes that aged care nursing brings to older people continues to inspire Paula every day. She relishes being involved in programs such as “Short-Term Restorative Care”, where the focus is on working alongside consumers and their health teams to identify and achieve their goals.

“I monitor participants and assess them for improved outcomes and impact on their wellbeing. And I go home each day with a feeling of satisfaction that I have been instrumental in enabling these people to continue to live in their own homes with dignity and respect — maintaining the way they choose to live,” she said.

“I really enjoy seeing people adapt to their abilities and enjoying positive outcomes so that they can continue to maximise their activities and pursuits.”

At the end of the day, Paula views aged care nursing as an opportunity to make a difference to a large proportion of the community.

“In the time that I have been at Resthaven, I have had the amazing opportunity to work in various aspects of aged care options — from residential care to community care. I have held several positions and have always been supported to take on new challenges within the organisation. The work I do is varied and very satisfying.”