Georgia Simons
Georgia Simons began working as a healthcare assistant when she was just 15 years old. Now 20, her adoration for the career continues to grow daily.
Name: Georgia Simons
Qualification: New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 2)
Georgia Simons was still a student at Christchurch’s Rangiora High School when she landed her first job as a healthcare assistant, after being rejected for a job at her local supermarket.
“Disheartened but determined, I applied everywhere I could and eventually landed a job at a local rest home and hospital. I fell in love with the atmosphere instantly,” she said.
Now twenty years old, the healthcare assistant’s adoration for the career continues to grow daily.
“I love getting to know the clients and listening to their stories, hearing them laugh and witnessing them achieve their goals. I love that I am constantly learning and meeting new people with the same passion as me,” she said.
“I love my job with my whole being. I could not be more proud of being a carer.”
Georgia recently began studying a New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 2) with NZTC, a qualification that has given her a deeper understanding of her responsibilities as a carer.
“Studying with NZTC has supported my work immensely. I didn’t realise all the extra factors involved in my job description that I should have been familiar with. Thanks to NZTC, I’m now more aware of what’s expected of me as a healthcare assistant.”
Initially nervous about studying online, the healthcare assistant quickly became comfortable using NZTC’s online learning platform with the support of college staff.
“I was surprised at how easy it was to become familiar with the website and communicate with lecturers. There are so many different types of support available, which made studying much less stressful.”
After completing her Level 2, Georgia plans to pathway into NZTC’s Level 3 and 4 programs, to continue building her knowledge and confidence before she takes the leap into studying a nursing qualification.
“My plan is to continue studying my Level 3 and 4 alongside my dementia care papers to give me a bit of a knowledge boost before finding the courage to apply for my Bachelor of Nursing. My final goal is to become a registered nurse within an elderly care setting.”