Joining Catholic Healthcare in early 2022 was the beginning of a new chapter for Satyak Jonchhe. Originally from Nepal, Satyak had spent many years working in other industries, including hospitality and running his own business. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as many industries slowed down, he began thinking about what was next in his future, and a career in healthcare sounded like a good option.
He enrolled to study nursing and wanted to gain practical experience in the health sector while completing his studies. Catholic Healthcare gave him that opportunity.
‘I started as a casual personal carer. I was studying at the same time and balancing everything with my family. It was challenging, but the carer role helped me become familiar with aged care and the health sector,’ Satyak says.
Over time, those first shifts became the foundation for a clear career pathway. After completing his studies, Satyak applied for a Registered Nurse (RN) role with Catholic Healthcare, and in October 2025, he stepped into his new role.
For Satyak, the transition from personal carer to RN has been both exciting and challenging. It has meant taking on greater responsibility, making clinical decisions, responding quickly when a resident’s needs change, and working closely with a multidisciplinary team. ‘As a personal carer, if something happened, I would report it to the RN. Now, I am the RN. It is a big step up,’ he says.
Satyak says each shift in the new role has helped build his confidence. ‘There is still a lot to learn, but gradually I have built up my confidence. At the beginning, it was stressful, but I enjoy the challenge. You have to act quickly, use clinical judgement and work as part of a team,’ he says.
Support from colleagues and leaders has played an important role in his journey. Satyak says his Residential Manager Dilasha encouraged him to apply for the role and saw it as an opportunity for future growth. He also values the support of care managers and colleagues who are willing to answer questions and provide guidance when needed. ‘That support is really good. If I have questions, I can always ask. That makes a big difference,’ he adds.
Although Satyak completed his nursing studies independently, he says Catholic Healthcare’s scholarship opportunities are something he encourages others to explore, particularly those who are considering further study in the future.
He also encourages his colleagues to keep learning and take the next step in their own careers. ‘It is hard to come out of your comfort zone, but it is rewarding.’
For Satyak, working in aged care offers something deeply personal. Unlike a hospital setting, where people may come in for a short term, residential care is home for residents. That means employees can build relationships, learn about residents’ life stories and become part of their everyday lives.
‘We are part of their home and part of their family. We get to know their life stories, and we can make a positive impact in their lives,’ he says.
Looking back on the past four years, Satyak is proud of how far he has come. What once felt unfamiliar and daunting has become a career where he can continue to grow, supporting residents with care and compassion.