12 May 2020
Melissa Shaw
Clinical Manager at Regis Wynnum
How did you start your nursing career?
I was working in child care for several years and needed a change and thought I would give nursing a go. I knew when I finished my placement that a career in nursing was for me.
Describe your role in one sentence?
Being a Clinical Manager is a rewarding, challenging and an interesting job. Everyday is different and I love that.
What attracted you to work as a nurse in aged care?
I had completed many placements in hospitals, but I knew that environment wasn’t for me. When I graduated from university I remember people saying to me, “Why would you work with old people?”, “Why don’t you want to work in a hospital?”. I would say “why not”, these people are the most vulnerable who need care and attention at this time of their lives and if I can make a small difference to their lives and care for them during those last years then I will be there for them and their families.
What motivates you to wake up and go to work?
The great team I work with everyday. Each and every staff member at my home is hard working, motivated, energetic and caring. And not forgetting the lovely residents and their family members that I come into contact with each and every day.
What do you like about working at Regis?
Career progression. I started at Regis 9 years ago as an Assistant in Nursing and have progressed to a Clinical Manager in that time. Regis have helped and supported me through all of my studies. The amount of support you have around you at Regis is AMAZING.
How do our residents benefit from your role?
Resident’s benefit from my role as I am making sure that each resident’s care needs are being met by my team of nurses.
What do you like about being a nurse?
I love being a nurse for many reasons, but mostly because of how rewarding the job is. You could be having a very busy and stressful day, but when you do one small thing for a resident or family member and you hear “Thank you for doing that for me” or “Thank you for helping my mum”, that is what matters.
What advice do you have for people considering a career as an aged care nurse?
Do it! It is such a rewarding job. Everyday is different and busy but when you see the smiles on the resident’s faces for doing something for them, either big or small, it is a great feeling.
Do you have any daily rituals you live by to maintain your mental and physical health?
Trying to maintain a healthy work/life balance is hard some weeks, however I try and catch up with my friends and family as much as possible and I also walk daily along the Brisbane River.
