Coorparoo Aged Care

Every year on 12 May, we take a moment to recognise and celebrate the wonderful work our caring and compassionate nurses on International Nurses Day.

Coorparoo Aged Care’s AN-ACC Coordinator, Cherry Patel, joined the Coorparoo team in December 2019, and shares with us what inspired her to enter nursing and what she loves most about working at the home.

Cherry decided to pursue a career in nursing after coming to Australia from India in 2009. In India she practiced as a Doctor of Homeopathy for several years working also in a Multi Specialist Hospital.

Moving to Australia Cherry decided to do her Bachelor of Nursing at QUT graduating in 2012. Cherry then gained experience, working as a nurse in several Queensland health-based hospitals as well as a Clinical Nurse position in other aged care facilities. Cherry was also the school nurse at the Brisbane Grammer School filling in as a Casual when needed.

Cherry was hired by Coorparoo Aged Care as a Clinical Nurse and ACFI Coordinator in December 2019. Since the changes in funding, she now works closely with the manager as the AN-ACC Coordinator.

Cherry is a valued member of our clinical team working with nurses and care staff to ensure that resident care is delivered in a safe and efficient manner.

Cherry states that she enjoys being able to make a difference in the lives of older people. She is a dedicated professional and will not compromise on the care of the residents. Her co-workers find her an excellent role model and she has a happy cheerful disposition.

When asked what challenging part of the role as a nurse is, Cherry says that ensuring all residents and families are being supported while working within the Aged Care Standards.

With our wonderful Personal Care Assistant, Yash.

What made you want to pursue a career in the aged care sector?

I am from India and was very close to both my grandparents and have always wanted to pursue a career in aged care. I am passionate about providing high quality care to ensure that older Australians who move into care are well looked after in a home-like situation. I am also currently studying to be a Registered Nurse with seven months to go.

What do you like most about your role and working at Coorparoo Aged Care?

I love working with older people, hearing their experiences and talking to them to make their days better. I love to see the residents smiling and having fun. I enjoy going home at night knowing I have made a difference in the life of one, or more, of our residents.

What’s the most challenging thing about working in aged care?

Working in an aged care home can be a demanding environment to work in, and often you will be on your feet most of the day. Some residents can have a lot of challenges; however a smile will often go a long way to making someone feel better and I am happy to help where I can.

What is a special memory you have from working at Coorparoo Aged Care?

I have many special memories here at Coorparoo because there are so many special people who I share my workdays with. These are residents of the home and many of the staff.

When I first started at Coorparoo, I had lovely, helpful, and supportive team members who encouraged me and increased my confidence. I feel very privileged to have shared the last days of several residents and to be able to provide them with the very best care I could give. There are many special people here who have given me many special memories.

Residents and staff have celebrated World Chocolate Day!

It’s safe to say that everyone was happy to join in the delicious festivities. Yummy!