An Interview with an Aged Care AIN

First written: June 2024

We are proud of our incredible nursing team, showing dedication day in and day out to the residents that they care for. Our aged care recruitment services are spread across Australia, providing staffing solutions on an ad-hoc, short term contract/block booking and permanent basis in metro, regional, rural and remote areas of the country. In our many years of unwavering commitment to the sector, we have nurtured long standing relationships with a network of aged care providers, and have built a nursing community that emulates our core values of resilience, determination and respect.

Parminder, an AIN based in North West Sydney, picks up shifts at her local aged care homes. She kindly came into our head office based in Sydney CBD, to chat to us about her nursing experience and working with Sanctuary.

Meet aged care AIN, Parminder

Tell me about your nursing journey. How did you get into this field and find yourself in the aged care industry?

“I came to Australia in 2020 and have been working as an Assistant in Nursing for three years, all in aged care. I joined Sanctuary Recruitment this year after moving to Sydney from Victoria. I am originally from India, and after having experience looking after my grandparents I realised the personal value that I could derive from interacting with the elderly. After finishing my studies, I migrated to Australia and decided to a pursue a career in caring for the older population.”

Why did you choose to pursue a career through an agency?

“I like the flexibility of working through Sanctuary. I can pick and choose shifts that suit me as well as decided where I work”

“It’s also really easy to pick up shifts through the Deputy app. There are always a lot of shifts available so I have the freedom to control how much I work in the week. It’s a very smooth process.”

What stands out about Sanctuary in particular?

“I was searching on my phone and came across Sanctuary. They had really great reviews and after getting in contact with them, I saw firsthand how nice the consultants were. Zinna helped me with the compliance process and whenever I need any help claiming shifts, Katie always answers the phone, even if its early in the morning!

“The homes that are available to work at, I have always found that I am respected by the staff members and not singled out being an agency nurse. I feel very comfortable going to whenever they have.”

What do you like the most about aged care?

“I like talking to the elderly about their life experiences, and I believe it is a blessing to receive their wisdom and life advice.”

Tell me about you! What do you like to do in your spare time?

“I am a big fan of reading. I try to read whenever I get a spare minute. On public transport, and I used to read with my grandmother which strengthened our bond.”

What do you think a nurse needs to have to be successful in the aged care industry?

“My advice to any future nurses is to have good communication skills and patience. There can be ups and downs, but having that core passion will remind you why you have chosen this career path.”

A snippet of this interview can be found on our YouTube Channel.

To become part of a community of dedicated, passionate and inspiring nurses, get in contact with our industry expert consultants today.