Karen studied NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 3) after starting to look after her parents who were getting on in age.
“I had passion to look after the elderly. Once Covid came, it was quite hard to find a job within rest homes in my area.”
After graduating the course, she landed a job as a Healthcare Assistant in the Sleep Lab, which is where patients come in for sleep monitoring due to things such as sleep apnoea.
“I set up the room and equipment each morning for the next set of patients that come in the evening. I also work in the Gastro department, where I have more contact with patients. I take their blood pressure, help with removing equipment when they are finished with their operation and wheel them in and out of the theatre rooms.”
Karen explains how during the course she was able to learn about different things to look out for regarding the elderly and other patients. For example, symptoms of a stroke and knowing what to do with diabetic patients.
“The programme also helped build my confidence, you meet new people, and your tutors are really helpful and patient.”
Karen got some help from the Career Service team at NZSE to land her current role. Our team advertised a job available at the Auckland City Hospital and helped Karen adjust her CV and write her cover letter. Karen explains how our staff helped her prepare for her interview too
“[the staff] helped me prepare for the interview, with body language and other tips, which really helped…next thing I knew I got the job.”
Karen especially liked how the tutors were
“really helpful and patient, especially if you don’t understand things such as the course outlines, the tutors explain it to you and help you and if you get stuck, you’ve got a whole team to support you."
Her advice to others who are about to graduate from NZSE College and will be looking for work is,
“Give it your all and go for the role you want to work in. Even if you don’t think you will get the interview, apply and you never know, you could get the job."