Why did you choose this field of work/job?

I chose this field of work as I have always had an internal pull towards the delivery of health care to members of our community – in particular, infants, children and young adults. I have a positive energy and an active body and mind – I thrive on gratitude, longevity and feel good moments. During our patients’ time here, moments can seem daunting and confronting. My intentions are to provide a safe, fun and positive experience whilst our patients undergo therapy.

What tasks does your job include? What do you love about your job the most?

My current case load involves:

• Assisting individual clinicians in a defined range of treatments, including paediatric casting and splinting applications.
• Providing and scoring a defined range of clinical assessments as delegated and allowed by testing guidelines and legislation.
• Performing safe practice in the performance of material handling tasks, patient manual handling and positioning techniques.
• Leading group treatment sessions in the inpatient or outpatient setting together with or under the supervision of an Allied Health Professional.
• Contributing to patient records according to organisational and legal requirements.
• Liaising with Allied Health Professionals and managers within the immediate team to provide assistance with clinically related tasks such as collecting referrals for clinician triage, and organising documents for scanning of medical records.
• Participating in activities to monitor, evaluate and improve the service, under the guidance of an Allied Health Professional including, but not limited to, data entry activities.
• Providing assistance and demonstrating initiative in preparing, monitoring, ordering and maintenance of work areas, resources, stock levels and equipment. What I love most about my job is knowing that I am actively contributing to giving the young members of our community the best quality of life. Children are blessed to have such innocent minds, they see the best in people and see the best in all situations, and I take part in the responsibility of supporting this framework.

What was your study journey to get this job?

I commenced my Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance in 2009 as a school-based traineeship in my senior year. I completed this through TAFE Queensland Sunshine Coast via correspondence. I furthered my study and completed my Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance shortly after.

What are your future plans for work and study?

My future plans are to continue to work in paediatrics and to specialise in delivering group therapy, casting, and providing therapy to children with Cystic Fibrosis. This would involve spending time at Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane to see how therapy is currently being delivered to acute children with this condition. With this experience, I then hope to be involved in the development of the structure and implementation of our future Cystic Fibrosis ward.

What is one thing about your study and/or job that you would love to share with people considering this career?

I would highly encourage others to pursue a career in Allied Health. Do not let your age, current experience, lifestyle or location hold you back. Working in paediatrics, children need health professionals to hold their hand and support them whilst providing clinical therapy to achieve a quality life.

The rewards are priceless and honestly no words could describe the feeling you receive when you have played a role in helping to put big smiles on littles faces. Sometimes it’s the simple things such as an awesome drawing of a dinosaur, a pretty glittery flower sticker, a cuddle, a “high five”, when your patients know you by your first name, the family’s gratitude you receive even when they are feeling vulnerable – all reassures me that I am acting with positive purpose and mindfulness.