Rebecca McQuilkin
Level 3 graduate, Rebecca McQuilkin, shares how her studies have helped her in a rewarding career, caring for the most vulnerable.
Name: Rebecca McQuilkin
Qualification: New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing – Health Assistance Strand (Level 3)
For Rebecca McQuilkin, a love of helping others first began in her teenage years through charity work, assisting and befriending people with disabilities.
This passion remained, when in her thirties a friend who was working as a Support Worker, encouraged her into employment in the healthcare sector.
“The chance to spend my working hours doing something I enjoyed doing in my spare time was more than I could resist. I loved it!”
“Having the privilege to assist and help people who are going through challenging times in their lives and often, the most difficult time in their life, and helping to bring some joy is extremely rewarding.”
Over the years she has explored different avenues of healthcare, before ending up in her favourite role as a Healthcare Assistant for clients with advanced dementia.
“I watched many of my clients eventually move into residential care and developed a desire to work in this area. Then in residential care, I saw many clients transferred to higher support levels. This led me to working in D6 dementia care, supporting the most vulnerable through complex care.”
To become more efficient and confident in her role, McQuilkin decided to enrol in the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing – Health Assistance Strand (Level 3) after NZTC was recommended by her colleague.
“Everything was clearly presented, the lecturers offered lots of support and IT Help were very helpful, as being a mature student, I am not so proficient with computers.
“I learnt so much, and when I applied it within my work, I saw many positive results both for myself and my residents.”
She found the courses on client independence and vulnerable clients particularly beneficial.
“Learning to enable my clients more in their independence, helped avoid or minimise a lot of frustrations and aggressions that are common with many dementia clients. As my clients are highly vulnerable, recognizing and preventing signs of abuse and neglect is so important for everyone involved.
“My studies gave me more confidence and passion to ensure my clients are always safe and cared for by everyone with dignity and respect.
“Through my accessible and flexible studies with NZTC, I’ve become a more aware, more confident and I believe a better Healthcare Assistant.”