Graduate inspired by compassionate care
Level 3 and 4 graduate, Kimberley Sheridan, was inspired to pursue a career in the health sector after receiving exceptional care during her own illness as a child.
“Growing up I spent a lot of time in hospital, and I always admired the compassion and support that I received from both nurses and healthcare assistants. I also had several family members who worked in healthcare and who loved the care they provided.”
During her teenage years, Sheridan seized an opportunity to work in a rest home and dementia unit, an experience she thoroughly enjoyed.
Despite briefly exploring other industries, her passion for supporting the elderly ultimately drew her back to healthcare.
“When I was considering expanding my knowledge as a healthcare assistant, a colleague of mine recommended NZTC as she had a positive study experience with the college.”
Sheridan says initially the idea of juggling full-time work with study and family commitments seemed daunting. However, she soon discovered that studying with NZTC Online offered the flexibility and support needed, allowing her to study at her own pace.
“I found the staff very supportive and it has been amazing doing my study at a time that is convenient for me.”
Currently working as a healthcare assistant in a rest home, she provides hospital-level care to residents with high health needs. She finds her role incredibly rewarding, and says her studies have been helpful in expanding her knowledge across all areas.
“I particularly enjoyed the ‘Person-Centred Care’ courses which have been very helpful in making me think outside the box to provide holistic care for my residents.
“I’m a health and safety representative at my workplace and a medication competent healthcare assistant, so I also found the ‘Risk Management and Safety’ and the ‘Safe Medication Administration’ courses very insightful.”
A highlight in her role is being able to improve the residents’ quality of life through compassionate care.
“I really enjoy making a positive difference in their lives. I like to be challenged and enjoy the variety of tasks I do on a daily basis.
“It’s an added bonus that I get to work within a team of people who are dedicated to providing quality care for those who need it.”
HW433: Person-Centred Care Practices
This course identifies four underpinning principles of person-centred care and how they apply within the context of basic care tasks. Students will extend these principles into the context of personal-care planning and goal setting. The process of personal-care planning will be explored and students will be able to discuss the benefits of this to clients and their whānau.
HW438: Risk Management and Safety
This course establishes the Healthcare Assistant’s role in managing potential and actual risks in a healthcare setting. Students will be able to recognise high risk situations and have a variety of strategies to draw upon to ensure the situations are managed appropriately, ethically and within the boundaries of their role.
HW514: Safe Medication Administration
This course gives advanced Healthcare Assistants an introduction to common medications used in an aged care setting and their associated side effects. Most importantly, this course explores care interventions in response to these side effects (actual or potential) to either prevent, resolve or mitigate any of these additional symptoms.
Find out more about our other Level 4 courses here.