Our AQ @ Home nurses come from all kinds of backgrounds, from all over the world.
Vera emigrated to Australia from the former Yugoslavia more than 20 years ago, and after a rough transition into life down under, eventually came to find her true calling.
“When I first got here, I couldn’t speak English for two years,” Vera said.
“Finally, I just decided I was going to learn, and then I got a job in a hospital in the sterilising department, and then I started my nursing training.”
Vera’s role at AQ is clinical assessment and said she loves to see and help people in the comfort of their own homes.
“I like to spend a lot of time with the client for their assessment and their initial review,” Vera said.
“We look at their mobility, any dietary concerns, if they’re having any pain. I do catheter management as well.”
She added finding a personal connection with AQ clients made her especially happy.
“It’s very nice to go into people’s homes,” she said.
“They feel comfortable, and they like to sit and talk, it’s their environment, and often they’re sharing their history and their family with you – it makes you emotional sometimes!
“My job is really to show them some empathy.
“Often, we see people from different backgrounds, and we find someone who can speak in their languages. I often have to say to new clients, ‘it’s ok, what is happening to you happens to lots of people, you’re not alone’.
“They share their histories and their families with us, and that is so lovely.”
Vera loves working for AQ for many reasons.
“I’m very happy here, it’s a very nice company,” she said.
“So many wonderful professional colleagues, and all my full compliments to them.
“I also love that we have regular training, in everything from wound care to dementia care, we’re kept very up to date.”
Find out more about your local AQ @ Home services, email aqhome@alzqld.org.au or call 1800 272 846 today.
