Bonni Sekulich is one of our passionate Clinical Care Managers at Regis Como in Western Australia. She started her aged care career when she was 18 as a carer, and has carried out many different roles throughout her years, including Office Coordinator, Home Support Worker, Registered Nurse and now Clinical Care Manager.
Bonni shared with us that “the elderly have done so much for our community, so that when it comes time for them to be cared for, it gives me a lot of pride to be able to do that.” She acknowledges that working in aged care isn’t just a job and you truly need to care in order to excel in this sector.
When asked what she likes most about her role at Regis Como, Bonni expressed that she likes being able to understand why something might be occurring and what she can do to help the person. She loves being able to investigate a situation and close the loop. As a Clinical Care Manager, Bonni and her department focus on the clinical and personal care residents receive. On a typical day, Bonni manages her team, oversees wound care, reviews and updates care plans, and provides education to our carers and her clinical team.
Bonni offered some valuable advice for those thinking about a career in aged care: “If you have a genuine interest, then just do it. It is the most rewarding industry and it could take you anywhere in your career.”
Throughout Bonni’s career she has taken many opportunities for self-development and undertook various studies in management, to train as a carer, workplace health and safety, training and assessment, and nursing. She’s now studying Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) so that she can be the IPC Lead Nurse.
Regis Como’s employees and residents are like family. Bonni told us that the Home has a real sense of teamwork, and everyone is always willing to assist across various roles and during activities to make sure our residents are well cared for.
“Our community is wonderful, everyone knows everyone here. It is so lovely when family members come in to see their loved one and they know the other residents as well.”