Enliven positive ageing services’ registered nurses are encouraging others to consider a career in aged care.
Huntleigh Home’s Alden Madelo explains he loves his rewarding and varied role at the Karori home which provides rest home and hospital level care.
After briefly studying mechanical engineering Alden took his father’s advice and retrained as a nurse. 16 years later he says he’s very glad he made the decision when he did.
While there may be other nursing roles that pay more, he believes a career in aged care nursing provides a whole different level of reward, training, and variety.
“I am more than satisfied with my career as a registered nurse here at Huntleigh Home. I love working for my manager, Anna Roberts, and with the wider team. I find the level of support and respect works both ways,” says Alden.
Another aspect he enjoys is passing on his knowledge and experience to trainee nurses, particularly those coming from overseas.
“I’ve been there, and it can be a culture shock,” says Alden.
“When I look back on my training I was treated with respect. I learnt it it’s not always what you do, but how you do it and the compassion and empathy you show.”
Alden trained for two months and was interviewed by the Nursing Council of New Zealand to enable him to qualify as a preceptor who helps nursing students and new graduates build skills and become familiar with best practice.
He enjoys the added responsibility the certification brings.
Alden had to put his skills to the test when he returned to the Philippines during the pandemic in 2020 to provide palliative care for his father.
“It was a very personal part of my journey in embodying our family ethics and generational care,” says Alden.
“I feel nursing is my calling and my mission is to provide the absolute best for my family at Huntleigh Home too.”
Enliven is always on the lookout for great people to join the team. Huntleigh Home currently has nursing roles available. If you, or someone you know is looking for a role in aged care email: .
