It takes a community to care: Amber Ferguson

Registered nurse Amber Ferguson has a deeply personal commitment to aged care, after witnessing her mother’s final journey through Quirindi Care Services (QCS).

By participating in the Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) Nursing Transition to Practice Program — which aims to address the critical nursing shortage in rural areas — Amber made the change from care staff to a registered nurse. She completed her qualifications while working part-time at QCS, using study leave to pursue her Bachelor of Nursing.

“I began the transition to nursing after the passing of my mother. The transition was slightly difficult, given that I began this journey in my late 30s, married with two teenage daughters and running a household,” Amber said.

Amber Ferguson.

Reflecting on her journey, she noted that the training she received significantly increased and strengthened her knowledge and skills, covering a broad range of topics such as clinical governance, incident management, wounds and NDIS — as well as how to apply these in the aged care sector.

“Growing up, I had always wanted to be a nurse, but life took me in different directions. I left school early, worked in retail, moved away from home, met my husband, and started a family. My mother had me later in life, so by the time I had my children, her health had declined, and she needed more care.”

Amber’s mother was a resident and also passed away at the QCS Eloura facility in 2018. Her experience of caring for her mother in her own home led Amber to realise the challenges of watching a loved one decline and require care.

“While caring for my mother, I realised how many vital resources and services — like specialised nursing, specialists and support groups — were missing in rural areas compared to the cities and large regional centres,” she said.

“It was during her admission into the residential aged care facility that I realised just how significant the nurse’s role is — not only for the resident but for the family too. When someone you love enters an aged care facility, it’s such an emotional, stressful and time-consuming experience.”

This experience was what ultimately motivated her to change careers, and Amber said she finds her new role extremely rewarding.

“When asked at work, ‘How’s your day?’ I respond with, ‘Living the dream’. I believe if it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to care for an elderly person,” she said.

“Entering aged care has been one of the most rewarding experiences but also one of the most challenging — physically, emotionally and mentally. Self-care and work-life balance are essential, as you often become emotionally attached to those in your care, spending most days in their company.”

Most of Amber’s days consist of medication administration, wound care, clinical assessments and care planning to meet the nutritional and emotional needs of the residents. Leadership and people management are also important to effectively plan the workflow for the shift.

“In aged care, you always have to be ready for the unexpected, which could include responding to falls, staff shortages, clinical deterioration, doctors’ rounds and family concerns,” she said.

Amber now plans to further her studies in dementia and palliative care, continuing her learning journey. She noted that rural nursing requires RNs to be competent and efficient with technology and communication skills, enabling them to engage with other health professionals and access the required care in a timely manner.

“It’s a privilege and honour to care for and advocate for the residents, and I’m able to make small changes that greatly impact their lives,” Amber said.

All images supplied.