But it was her father’s ailing health many years later that cemented her plans to get into nursing, leading her to build a fulfilling career that spans over 20 years, two of which has seen her work as registered nurse after completing her qualifications in 2020.
“The reason for going into nursing when I did was because my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease 26 years ago, and that was the turning point for me. I knew then that I really wanted to help people at a deeper level and I wanted to provide the care they needed,” Colette said.
Having joined MercyCare in 2018 as a Community and Home Support nurse, Colette is among a team of six dedicated nurses who provide support to seniors in their community and help them maintain a sense of independence in their own homes.
Her role involves visiting clients at home to assist with wound care, as well as providing support and advice for clients living with chronic health conditions such as diabetes.
“Nursing in a client’s own home has many benefits. The client can feel relaxed and safe being treated within their own environment, this in turn can reduce anxiety and high blood pressure readings, which has a positive effect on their health without them really being aware,” Colette said.
For Colette, being a nurse for MercyCare is a fulfilling job and she couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
“I feel very lucky and privileged to be a nurse and it’s an honour to be able to help someone to live their best life while remaining at home,” she said.
Colette said the best qualities in a nurse is the natural ability to want to help others and putting others’ needs before their own.
“I think you have to have respect for everyone and their own beliefs, be kind and thoughtful, be able to feel emotion and be compassionate to everyone’s individual needs. It’s important to have empathy and be a voice – an advocate – for someone who is in a vulnerable situation and needs help,” she said.
