Nurses and staff at Port Stephens Veterans & Citizens Aged Care Ltd, better known as Harbourside Haven, have been recognised for two years of exceptional service through some of the most difficult times in the facility's four-decade history.
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Around 290 aged care staff across Harbourside's four centres located in Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, Salamander Bay and Tanilba Bay were last week presented with gifts as a thank-you for navigating residents through the COVID pandemic with kindness and care.
"We were fortunate that our residents escaped the virus, but it was a different story with our staff," said Nina Kraskov, manager of the Bill King facility at Fingal Bay.
"At times we had anywhere between two and five staff absent which placed a lot of pressure on the remaining staff, but I am very proud to say that all our people responded positively to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents."
The recognition and presentation of gift boxes has been planned for all staff on Thursday, May 12 (International Nurses Day).
A Harbourside board member said that the day offered management a great opportunity to acknowledge the vital contribution that nurses make in providing care and support to its seniors.
"We are looking forward to a day of celebration across the organisation to make our nurses and staff feel as valued as possible."
Ms Kraskov, an aged care nurse since 1990 who remains very hands-on by helping out on the ground when needed, said that the vast majority of nurses and assistants went into the profession because they wanted to help others.
"Unfortunately, aged care nursing has suffered over the years, but there is a now a growing need for qualified staff right across the aged care industry," she said.
"It is different kind of challenge in that you have to be prepared to look after people aged 65 and over with their own unique health issues.
"Nursing staff need to understand the ageing process and marry that up by providing the necessary care.
"There are many rewarding times ... the aged care sector allows staff to build relationships with residents and their families over longer periods of time."
The goodie gift boxes to be distributed among the staff were made and decorated by members of the Fingal Friends Activity Centre. Staff will also be treated to a sausage sizzle lunch to celebrate the day on May 12.
The family day program, funded by Commonwealth Home Support, has in excess of 35 elderly residents attending two and a half days a week at Bill King and one day at the Tanilba Bay centre.
Harbourside is looking for more nursing staff and to learn more about the activity centre, phone 4984 4721.
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