Celebrating Our Dedicated Aged Care Nurses

“It’s the most rewarding job I know. It’s hard work sometimes, but when you get a ‘thank you’ and a beautiful smile from someone, it just makes your day.” Camilla Lommerse is one of the many dedicated nurses who care for seniors in Carinity aged care communities and home services across Queensland.

Camilla has worked as a nurse for 52 years, with around half of that time spent in the aged care sector.

She has worked at Carinity aged care communities in Ipswich, Townsville, Brisbane and Rockhampton and is currently a Registered Nurse at Carinity Summit Cottages in Mount Morgan.

“I left school and went into nursing. I have had many different jobs in my nursing life such as casualty (now emergency department), prisons, heavy industry, film and television, and aged care,” Camilla said.

“I find it fascinating to listen to the residents’ stories and hear about their lives. They are wonderful people and make going to work a joy.”

Carinity is paying tribute to our nurses on International Nurses Day. The global day of celebration is held each year on May 12, the anniversary of the birth of nursing pioneer, Florence Nightingale.

Amongst Carinity's dedicated nurses is Sapana Hamal Thakury (pictured), a Clinical Nurse (Infection Control) at the Carinity Clifford House aged care community in Brisbane.

She loves working in the “homely environment” in aged care and forging strong and ever-lasting interpersonal relationships with residents and their families.

“Many industries exist in which we can help others, whether that’s childcare, teaching, care work or working with the elderly,” Sapana said.

“For me, there is no real substitute for the intensely rewarding nature of working with the elderly. Their experience of life and stories are what I never get enough of.

“Working as an aged care nurse requires a lot of patience, kindness and compassion. For compassionate people, working with others in a role that feels like it truly means something is an important life pursuit.”

An Assistant in Nursing at Carinity Colthup Manor in Ipswich, Lynette Davis says interacting with and supporting seniors was her motivation for working in aged care.

“Our older seniors have such a vast individual and collective history. They have all had such unique lives and I find getting to know them a privilege,” Lynette said.

“Dedication to the position allows aged care nurses to make a huge difference to our resident's lives. Some of these people are supported by loving families, others have minimal interaction with their family.

“My aim is to assist residents, in any way I am able, so they can have a great day, feel happy, respected, be heard and feel the value of been treated as themselves.”

Samantha Brady, a Registered Nurse with Carinity Home Care Hervey Bay, was inspired to pursue a career “where I could help as many people as I could”.

“I love everything about my job. You can help, support and educate staff and clients to ensure our seniors’ safety and all needs for each individual are met,” Samantha said.

“I also love working with all my clients and ensuring any concerns they have are resolved, or to figure out solutions. Providing safe, quality care in the home assists with avoiding possible hospital visits.

“A career in nursing the aged is very rewarding. You can make a big difference and bring so much joy to all clients.”

Interim Carinity CEO, David Angell, praised the Carinity nurses who care for Queensland seniors.

“Caring for the elderly takes incredible dedication. Our aged care residents, home care clients and their families are always grateful for the efforts of our wonderful nursing staff,” David said.

“I wish to thank all our nurses for their passion and commitment working in roles that can be very demanding – but also undoubtedly rewarding – at the same time.”

Click here to find out more about Carinity