Leo Holani
Leo Holani brings many important skills to her position at the Selwyn Heights Retirement Village.
Name: Leo Holani
Qualification: New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing – Health Assistance Strand (Level 3)
Formerly a registered nurse in Tonga for 12 years, Leo Holani moved to New Zealand in 2005 with plans of working in the healthcare sector.
“I am currently employed as a Resident Services Representative at the Selwyn Heights Retirement Village, where I do a combination of caregiving, nursing, and clerk and receptionist work. My ultimate goal is to become a registered nurse in New Zealand.
“I knew I wanted to gain a formal health and wellbeing qualification in New Zealand, but didn’t want to study on a campus as I work full-time. When the Village Manager told me I could study online with New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) I realised this was the perfect opportunity. I ended up enrolling in the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing – Health Assistance Strand (Level 3).”
For Leo, many skills have been gained through the completion of this qualification.
“I have learnt new and more effective approaches to old problems. Studying also reminds me of the important procedures and principles to pay attention to, in order to improve the health and wellbeing of the people I care for.
“Studying is not always easy and it involves sacrifices. You must be willing to work hard, set yourself goals, and strive to achieve them. As the saying goes, ‘where the labour is great, the gain is all the more.’”
A background in nursing has been beneficial for Leo’s current role.
“While I love meeting people and assisting residents with their daily needs, my nursing skills have occasionally been utilised in serious situations. In the past I’ve received flowers or thank you notes from the families of residents I’ve helped, and it feels so wonderful knowing I’ve truly made a difference - perhaps even saved someone’s life.”
Leo says that studying online with NZTC has made her feel excited about learning.
“Each day I look forward to studying in the comfort of my own home, while also being able to work full-time. I feel happy knowing I can further my education by distance, but still have that interaction with my tutors and fellow students through group discussions and the online forum.
“I am now working towards my Level 4 qualification and am looking forward to what the future holds for me.”