Nursing is a perfect career for those looking for a role in which they can really make a difference, and Bolton Clarke is here to guide you towards your dream job. Touching on their company ethos, employee accounts, interview pointers and self-care tips, they’re committed to helping you feel totally prepared for an exciting career!
Introducing Bolton Clarke
Bolton Clarke is Australia’s largest independent, not-for-profit aged care provider shaping the future of positive ageing. With RSL Queensland and the Royal District Nursing Service at the heart of our DNA, we started Australia’s first community nursing service and have been caring for Australians since 1885. Today, our exceptional teams support more than 130,000 people to live independently at home, in the community and across our 38 retirement villages and 88 residential aged care homes.
Living and breathing Bolton Clarkes values, Listen, Be kind, and Be Curious, our Nurses and frontline workers are dedicated to enabling, celebrating, and supporting older Australians to live a life of fulfilment.
Find out more about all the good they’re doing at their website, employer profile, or through their ‘This Little Heart’ video!
Hear From Their Team:
One on One with Susan – Bolton Clarke, Clinical Team Leader since 2017
“I take great pride in helping people, and the reason I love coming to work every day is that I know I have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.”
“I have worked in Aged care for the past 40 years after starting as a personal care worker (PCW) when I was 17. I was lucky enough to be employed by an experienced nurse who taught us everything she knew so we were able to be the best carers we could be. From wound dressings and medication rounds to doctors’ rounds – you name it, we did it. It was a great learning opportunity.
As times changed I realised I wanted to do more clinical care, so I decided to become a registered nurse, and since qualifying 30 years ago I have continued to work in residential aged care homes as a nurse and a manager. In more recent years, I have worked as a community nurse, helping people stay independent in their own homes for as long as possible.
Career Pathways
There are many different pathways that you are able to consider in becoming an RN:
- Direct entry to University.
- Undertaking a Pre-University course.
- Working your way through the VET to University.
- Undertaking a Certificate III in Individual Support, Diploma of Nursing and then your Bachelor of Nursing.
A top tip is to find employment or volunteer work that helps you build a relevant skillset (P.S. The aged care industry is the perfect place to achieve this!). Bolton Clarke is happy to support your learning journey by providing employment opportunities that work around your studies.
Interview Tips (As Told By A Hiring Manager!)
So, you’ve reached the interview stage of the hiring process: well done! It’s normal for interviews to be a little nerve-wracking, but they are also the best time to let your passion, qualities, and skills shine.
Bolton Clarke’s hiring manager shares her guide to success:
- Show your passion: be excited to share what inspires you to care for others.
- Take a few deep breaths before you enter the interview.
- Answer questions honestly.
- If you are unsure of a question, ask the interviewer to repeat it or seek clarification– it is ok to not have all of the answers!
- Remember: they want to learn more about you ,so show them who you are.
So You’ve Got The Job, Now What?
First of all, congratulations! You’ve landed a role in one of the most fulfilling industries out there. However, healthcare workers are often so busy caring for others that they forget to look after their selves. Check out the following tips to keep yourself operating at peak performance and feeling great while doing so!
- Load up on healthy, nutritional meals throughout the day.
- Build a network of co-workers, family and friends that you can turn to in times of need.
- Spend some time outside; a walk can do wonders for your mental and physical health.
- Take your breaks (yes, even if it’s a busy day)!
- Take time to reflect and process. Caring for others can be both rewarding and stressful; you want to remember the good times and learn from the tough times.
- Find your outlets! Whether it’s music on the drive home or time at the gym, take time to enjoy the little things.
