As the world marks International Nurses Day 2022, Enliven is highlighting the positive difference aged care nurses make to the lives of New Zealand elders and the wider health sector.
The global nursing shortage is having a significant impact on aged care in New Zealand. Reportedly there are currently more than 1000 aged care nursing vacancies.
Enliven Central General Manager Nicola Turner is advocating for aged care nurses to be given the recognition they deserve.
“These amazing individuals make a significant difference in the lives of elders every single day. Without aged care nurses working in rest homes and communities, our public hospitals would be flooded.”
She says the role of an aged care nurse is complex and diverse, ranging from management of complex and chronic conditions to infection control and wound care to palliative care to rehabilitation.”
Enliven Clinical Nurse Manager Lou Kurtz agrees.
“It’s not about just handing out pills. There is so much more to the role. It’s really holistic nursing.”
Nurse Joy Castro has a background in nursing in a public hospital setting but says she has come to love aged care nursing.
“With aged care you get to know the people personally and not just their clinical notes.”
She says aged care nurses get to truly experience both the science and art of nursing.
“I go to work with a good bunch of cool grandparents and get to help them have a good life,” she says.
International Nurses Day on 12 May marks the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. The theme for Nurses Day 2022 is all about investing in nursing, to build a resilient, highly qualified nursing workforce, to transform health systems to meet the needs of individuals and communities now and into the future.
“The theme couldn’t be more apt,” says Nicola.
“As a country we must do all we can to support our current and new nurses and attract international nurses to work in New Zealand. Our health system depends on these professionals.”
Enliven is always on the lookout for great nurses to join our team. If you, or someone you know is looking for a nursing role, check out our current opportunities or email
