Today is International Nurses Day, an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the enormous contribution nurses make to Catholic Healthcare and our communities each and every day.
At Catholic Healthcare, we thank nurses for their professionalism, dedication and kindness in caring for our residents, clients and patients, particularly during the past year.
The overarching theme for International Nurses Day 2021 is Nurses: A Voice to Lead - A Vision for Future Healthcare.
“This past year has been pivotal in demonstrating the importance and significance of nurses,” says Anne Maree Hodgson, Acting General Manager, Residential Care (pictured below).
“Our Catholic Healthcare nursing and frontline staff have displayed incredible resilience, flexibility and dedication. If there has ever been a time when nurses are to be truly appreciated and recognised, this is it.”
Anne Maree, who worked as a Registered Nurse for many years in public and private hospitals before moving into healthcare management, believes now is a great opportunity for nurses to explore career opportunities, investigate further training and play a key role in leading the future of aged care.
“Aged care is going through a transition and it’s important we have strong leadership in place. There are enormous opportunities for staff looking for the next step in their career so If you are interested in progressing or completing additional training, please let us know. We welcome a conversation on exploring opportunities for your development.”
Therese Adami, General Manager Home & Community Services, also started her career as a Registered Nurse and thanks nurses working in the community.
“Nurses play a key role assisting our Home Care clients to live life to the full. They are a great source of comfort for staff and clients with any health concerns.
“We are fortunate to have 16 great Registered and Enrolled Nurses within Home & Community Services. They range from graduates starting out with new knowledge and enthusiasm to nurses with 30 plus years’ experience.
“It’s been terrific to see the increase in referrals for nursing, the increased number of nurses in Home & Community and their efforts and commitment to clinical best practice.”
The Registered Nurses Leadership Program run by RAC Education Manager Tanya Hanaee supports the ongoing development and training of Catholic Healthcare nurses.
“This year we have 60 RNs participating in the Program,” says Tanya. “Nurses are able to attend education sessions and extend their learnings with external education providers such as TAFE NSW, NPS MedicineWise and OPAN. The program focuses on Clinical, Communication & Leadership, with session including and not limited to Mental Health, Wound Care, Palliative Care and the Rights of the Resident.
“The aim of RAC Education is to arm our nurses with the skills and attributes they need to be the future of aged care.”
Read Regina Crisologo’s story – a Registered Nurse embracing the opportunity to further her career in aged care.
Regina, based at St Catherine’s in Bathurst, has been working as a Registered Nurse for the past five years and was recently promoted to Quality and Education Manager. Regina gained her nursing qualification from Charles Sturt University in 2015 and started with Catholic Healthcare as a new graduate.
“I grew up in a family working largely in the healthcare industry,” says Regina. “Midwives, pharmacists, doctors and of course nurses.
“Since starting at St Catherine’s I have considered moving into acute care and even thought about midwifery, however I’ve been inspired by the career opportunities available in aged care.
“Recently I have attained my certificate from the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control resulting in my appointment as the IPC lead at St Catherine’s, I have learned the Aged Care Funding Instrument system, and I am part of the Registered Nurses development program for 2021. I was also given the opportunity to be the acting Deputy Residential Manager at St Catherine’s earlier this year.”
In Regina’s Quality and Education role she is responsible for ensuring the care being provided to residents meets best practice and is in compliance with the Aged Care Quality Standards.
“This largely involves auditing, education and providing supporting our team.”
What are Regina’s plans for the future?
“To be honest, I am the type of person who 'goes with the flow'. I enjoy seizing opportunities when they come up and see how far I am able to progress with them. Having such a great support network and mentors in place is key. I am thankful I work with such a supportive and innovative team.
“Being in this position at such a young age I feel as though I have already achieved such a great milestone. So, I am very excited to see where this role will lead me in the future.”
For nursing and all career opportunities at Catholic Healthcare visit