Features from the Frontline: Ella

Meet Ella. Although she resisted the idea of pursuing a career in nursing, she eventually found that her calling lay in the healthcare field, just like her family of nurses. She started working in the emergency department and was inspired by the strength and knowledge of the healthcare professionals around her. Now, she is studying to become one of Australia’s top nurses and has never looked back.

Tell us about your journey to becoming a Registered Nurse.

"Well, I stumbled into it. Coming from a family of nurses, I stubbornly resisted the career path for the longest time. However, that changed when I started working in an emergency department in a different role. I became fascinated with the strength and knowledge of medical professionals and eventually decided to pursue nursing myself."

What do you wish people knew about health and disability support carers?

"I would like people to know that as healthcare professionals, we are deeply passionate about our work. Our clients are not just patients to us, but individuals who we care for and support. Over time, we build meaningful relationships with them and it often feels like spending time with friends. We take pride in providing high-quality care and making a positive impact on their lives. "

What are the key skills you need to be a healthcare professional? 

"Empathy is one of the most important qualities for a healthcare professional to possess. Of course, technical skills are necessary, but they're not the only thing that matters. As a healthcare provider, you must also be a good communicator, a problem solver, resilient, and a people person. But ultimately, it's empathy that allows us to truly connect with patients, understand their needs and fears, and provide them with the best care possible. Without empathy, healthcare would be missing a crucial element."

What is the best advice you’ve been given? 

"To put it simply: to follow my heart and pursue what brings me genuine happiness."

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

"In 10 years, I would love to be working with an NGO that supports minority communities globally and within Australia. My goal is to help them by providing medical assistance and health education initiatives."
 

What do you think your superpower is? 

"I think my superpower is my confidence and resilience. It has allowed me to overcome a lot of hardship in my life and has shaped me to be a very empathetic and curious person."
 

Thank you, Ella, for sharing your unique, heart-warming story with us.

In celebration of World Health Worker Week, NNT is proud to present a very special edition of our Features from the Frontline series. Join influential faces from across the industry as they share their journeys, challenges and words of wisdom with you.