Veterans’ care has provided a new perspective on life – Kayla’s veterans’ care story
After just two weeks on placement at an aged care facility where she provided care and support for veterans and war widows, Kayla knew this was where she needed to start her nursing career.
“I just fell in love with the job and I knew that aged care was where I was going to end up. It was the best placement I had done,” she says, beaming.
Kayla completed this placement during her Diploma of Nursing through TAFE. She now works in an enrolled nursing position and has started studying her bachelor’s degree at university to become a registered nurse.
Veterans’ care had never been on Kayla's radar prior to entering her diploma, but the 21-year-old found the work rewarding, and a way to give back to those who had served on behalf of the nation. Forming close bonds with veterans and listening to their stories made going into work the highlight of her day.
"I would head home and want to go back into work the next day as early as I could," Kayla recalls. "I didn't want to miss out on our time together."
Luckily, Kayla didn’t have to wait long after her studies before returning to the job. As soon as she graduated she jumped on the phone to the same facility to ask about positions, eventually landing herself a role as an enrolled nurse team leader.
In this role, she leads a team of care staff and provides nursing assistance for residents in areas like medication, reviewing care plans and providing referrals.
Taking on a leadership position has been a welcome challenge for Kayla, who continues to learn a great deal from her colleagues and the veterans she cares for.
Having recently commemorated Anzac Day at the facility with an in-house memorial, Kayla is looking forward to developing her knowledge as she continues caring for those who have served.
“What has struck me working in veterans’ care is that I’ve never been happier,” she says. “If anything, it’s given me a new perspective on life. I want to experience everything life has to offer.”
For Kayla, caregiving isn't just a job – it's a calling. Working with veterans means every day is an opportunity to appreciate the little things and bring smiles to the faces of those who have dedicated their lives to serving their country.
“There's this stigma that working with older people is going to be sad, but it’s truly been the most beautiful experience,” Kayla says.
For other nursing graduates who haven’t considered a career in the care and support sector, Kayla couldn’t recommend this pathway more.
“I put it on the same level as midwifery,” Kayla explains. “You're not bringing in a life but you're helping someone live out their life in the most comfortable way that you can. That brings a sense of peace and joy unlike anything else.”