Jenita Karki
New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Advanced Care and Support) (Level 4)
Completing her Level 4 studies have helped Jenita Karki find her vocation in aged and dementia care.
Name: Jenita Karki
Qualification: New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Advanced Care and Support) (Level 4)
The bond Jenita Karki shares with her grandparents helped her find her vocation in healthcare.
“I really enjoy helping and spending time with elderly people. Even though I’m far from home, working with elderly people makes me feel like I’m at home with my grandparents, who I am very attached to.”
Originally from Nepal, she moved to New Zealand with her family and began working in a hotel. Knowing her passion for helping people, a friend recommended completing a Health and Wellbeing qualification at New Zealand Tertiary College and, after doing her own research, Jenita felt that NZTC suited her learning preferences.
“I thought NZTC would be a good choice for my studies. I prefer distance learning as it gives me the freedom to learn at my own pace.”
She soon enrolled in the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Advanced Care and Support) (Level 4), enjoying the online learning component while completing practical work.
“Studying online gave me my own space. I could study or access study materials whenever I liked, or whenever I had time. It meant I could pursue my education while balancing other responsibilities, and I didn’t have to worry about going to classes.”
Online learning also meant Jenita could put the information she was engaging with into practice in her dementia care role when she felt comfortable with it.
“The course ‘Contributing to Change’ helped me to identify areas of improvement within my workplace, positively impacting the residents and daily operations of the dementia ward.”
Jenita shares those daily activities, and her favourite part of working in aged care:
What does a normal day look like for you?
The first thing I do when I get to work is greet the residents with a big smile. Then I prepare and serve breakfast, distribute medication, and help them get ready for the day. I make notes, and do some recreational activities like dancing or playing games. I’ll set the table for lunch, and until it arrives the residents and I always sing together. After lunch and another round of medication, I help with any personal hygiene, then I walk and chat with the residents during the afternoon before I do handover at 3pm. Throughout the day I’m always entertaining them by making funny faces and telling jokes, and I always make sure I hug and say goodbye to them before I leave.
Are you interested in a particular area of healthcare?
I love diversional (recreational) therapy. It creates deep bonds with the residents, giving me an opportunity to get to know them closely and understand their individual needs. Through diversional therapy I can deliver better healthcare and bring happiness into their lives, which gives me happiness and mental peace.