One nurse in particular — Karen Nedeljkovic — was congratulated for her outstanding efforts in overseeing infection control at the Benalla home.
This role is crucial in an aged care setting, even more so with COVID-19 now being in our lives.
Ms Nedeljkovic took on the commitment of studying a COVID-19 prevention course, ensuring that all team members in the home are well educated in how to keep residents and staff safe and infection-free.
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“Estia Benalla has such wonderful caring nurses, they always show me such compassion and understanding, and I know I’m being well looked after,” one resident said.
Estia Benalla’s chef Deb prepared a beautiful cake and delicious high tea for staff and residents to enjoy on International Nurses Day, as a way of thanking the nursing team for everything they do.
Ms Nedeljkovic, who has been with Estia Benalla for nearly 14 years, said she felt honoured to be presented with a certificate for her hard work.
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“It's been a long journey,” Ms Nedeljkovic said.
“My first five years here, I was a personal carer and then I was offered an opportunity to study enrolled nursing, which I jumped at.
“Since then I've been going up through the ranks as an enrolled nurse and picking up extra responsibilities — and infection control is one of my babies. We've been infection-free here for at least 10 years.
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“Keeping everyone safe — that's our main priority.”
The COVID-19 prevention course Ms Nedeljkovic undertook was intense, to say the least.
“It involved more than 80 hours of study, over three months,” she said.
“It was pretty full-on. When I wasn't at work I was at home studying.
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“I was relieved when it was all over, to know the assignment was in — I couldn't have done any more.
“And now it's onwards and upwards from here.”
An Estia spokesperson said the celebration of the nursing staff was a wonderful afternoon enjoyed by staff and residents alike.
“We are proud of Karen and all our staff,” the spokesperson said.
“To all the nurses out there, thank you.”
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