Level 2 gives psychology student a head start in healthcare
Growing up in a family of healthcare professionals, it was inevitable that Sarah-Anne Meares would develop an interest in the sector.
The New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 2) graduate started her journey in healthcare when she was in her final years of high school, volunteering at a local retirement village and care home with Elder Care Volunteers.
“I witnessed first-hand the fulfillment that my family members experienced in their efforts to improve the health and care of the community,” she explains.
“Volunteering was an opportunity and a privilege that enabled me to connect with the care home community, create long-lasting and meaningful relationships with residents, and further understand roles within a healthcare team.”
Meares chose to study the Level 2 program with New Zealand Tertiary College during her first year of a bachelor’s degree in Psychology at university, to broaden her knowledge of the sector.
However, while still strongly inspired by her family, she is determined to carve her own path and is following a personal interest in mental health.
“I’m passionate about de-stigmatising the perceptions that psychiatric conditions have had traditionally, and hope to one day provide support to clients that is person-centred, culturally-sensitive, and focuses on client strengths in the capacity of a healthcare professional, such as a Psychiatrist.”
Meares credits the program for giving her a head start in healthcare studies, and teaching a wide range of skills that can be applied to her current volunteer role as well as her future work.
“From learning about person-centred frameworks of care, care approaches based on client strengths to promote independence, strategies to overcome potential communication barriers, and the importance of providing culturally competent, sensitive and safe care to clients – completing the Level 2 Certificate helped me to develop a really important foundation of principles.
“It emphasised for me the importance of care conducted with sensitivity and effective communication, and core concepts, competencies and capabilities that I know I will continue to draw on moving forward in my career.”