Community care: Southern Cross Care is focused on bringing smiles to its residents faces. Pictured are registered nurse Rose Gallagher, resident Irene and care service employee Bethany Young.
In small towns like Moama, on the NSW-Victoria border, community is everything.
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Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT continue to rely on the Riverina community to assist in meeting workforce challenges, as well as promoting “tree change” opportunities for out-of-town applicants.
Despite continued efforts, Southern Cross Care is still seeking the support of additional registered nurses.
In December 2022 and throughout 2023, Southern Cross Care appealed to the community to join the dedicated team and help make a difference to the lives of older people living in their neighbourhood.
Since the appeal, the not-for-profit provider has attracted new team members to join the Moama team, including a registered nurse, care and support service staff.
This is encouraging, and Southern Cross Care continues to appeal for registered nurses, given the 24/7 registered nurse government directive and the mandatory care and clinical minutes.
Southern Cross Care’s third-year nursing student Bethany Young is enjoying her new role.
“I knew in general aged care facilities always need more staff, so I applied to join Southern Cross Care,” Bethany said.
“My friend saw a job advertised in the paper. They needed staff, and I wanted the experience.”
Bethany values her time as a care services employee, which involves providing respectful care to meet residents’ needs and supporting their health and well-being goals.
“Southern Cross Care has a person-centred care approach — you get to really know the residents. As a nursing student, you really learn a lot, soak the experience up and revel in it.”
Kind hearts: Care service employee Bethany Young and registered nurse Rose Gallagher look forward to caring for the residents every day.
Rose Gallagher is another local who recently joined as a permanent registered nurse with 30 years experience, predominantly in the public health system.
“I was seeking a change, so I started working casually with Southern Cross Care and I loved it,” Rose said.
“Most of all, I love the connection with the residents and the privilege of being part of their lives.”
Rose said the Moama facility had a “homely, beautiful environment,” and she had been “made to feel very welcome and appreciated.”
Despite the success of community support, Southern Cross Care is always looking to recruit more staff and volunteers.
“Aged care is experiencing workforce shortages, particularly in regional and remote areas. Our doors are always open to new recruits to enable us to continue providing quality care,” Southern Cross Care’s chief operating officer Gaynor Squillacioti said.
“We value our staff, and so do the residents and relatives — staff from within the local community are invaluable as they understand their way of life and help them stay connected to the community.”
“Southern Cross Care offers flexibility, ongoing training and support, tax-free financial benefits and career opportunities for all staff with and without experience in aged care.”
Southern Cross Care continues to recruit for registered nurses, care service employees, lifestyle coordinators, home care employees and mobility exercise and engagement support workers across the Riverina.
To join the teams in Corowa, Deniliquin, Moama, Leeton and Young, visit sccliving.org.au/join-us/make-a-difference or phone 1800 860 456.
Providing community aged care in our regional sites matters to us, please be part of the solution.
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