Every so often we’ll have an in-depth chat with one of our staff members, so you can get to know them a little better. This month we get to know our new RN, Amy Lankester.
How long have you worked at Finley?
Three weeks!
What interested you about working in Aged Care?
I am an old soul at heart – born in the wrong era! No matter what field of nursing I have been in, connecting with the elderly and listening to their stories always warms my heart.
What is your role at Finley Regional Care? What does it involve?
Clinical Care Advisor – Registered Nurse. This involves working in a team to ensure a high level of care is provided to our residents; for example, care planning, liaising with residents, their families, doctors and allied health.
What are your qualifications?
Registered Nurse.
What do you like most about working here?
I have been so warmly welcomed. I want to make a difference to people’s lives and I believe I can do that here (the door is open for me to do it).
If you had to describe Finley Regional Care in four words, what would you say?
Homelike, inclusive, adaptable and warm.
What has exceeded your expectations or surprised you the most since coming here?
The appreciation of my role and the dedication of FRC to fulfill the Aged Care Standards, particularly Standard 1, which allows the resident to make decisions about their own care.
Tell us one thing about you people might not know.
I love fishing!
What do you like to do in your free time?
My children and family are my entire world, so anything around them!
What’s your favourite quote or saying?
She’ll be right!
What three traits define you?
Empathetic, inquisitive and passionate.
How do you define success?
No matter if it’s work or home life, kindness, teamwork and producing happiness are my definition of success.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
Play the drums! I can’t! But it would be fun to bash out a tune!
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
Pay off my mortgage so we could take my two children around Australia.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
With a happy, healthy family and a fulfilling career.
Are you messy or organised?
Mostly organised bordering on OCD – with a little bit of mess that I call organised chaos!
Best vacation you’ve been on?
Camping in Dargo, Victoria – remote and isolated where you feel like you’ve escaped the world for awhile.
Do you have an office nickname? What is it?
Not yet, but everyone calls me Loop (crazy, curly hair!).
If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?
An old school army nurse.
If you could meet anyone in the world (dead or alive), who would it be and why?
Florence Nightingale – I would love to know her passions and personality, and what her opinions/views were to do what she did.
If you were an animal what would you be?
A dog – they really live the best lives!!
If you were on death row, what would your last meal be?
My mum’s roast dinner!
If your house was burning down, what is the one non-living thing you would save?
I’m a sentimental hoarder – as many items as I could carry that represent my children.
Least favourite food?
Trifle! Cannot do jelly mixed with fruit, cream and cake!
Top two life highlights?
- Becoming a mum
- Buying our first home to create memories in
What advice would you give to recent new staff?
Be proactive, kind and dedicated to provide the best care. Empathy is a gift everyone in healthcare should master.
What are three career lessons you’ve learned thus far?
- Be open to learning, there is always room to grow.
- Don’t settle, if you see room for improvement strive towards it.
- Love what you do. Always make sure of it.
What did you want to be when growing up?
A nurse.
What do you like to do on your days off?
Spend time outside, watching my kids play and enjoying the sunshine!
What is the most important thing you have learned in the last five years?
Jump – no matter how scary. You’ll never know if you don’t do it and it could be the best thing that happens to you.
What is one thing you can’t live without?
My two beautiful children.
What are the two worst things you did as a kid?
- Umm … ran over my little sister on my bike! I swear it was an accident!
- Filled the whole toilet with toilet paper!
What is your favourite childhood memory?
Playing with my sister, especially our holidays in Tocumwal camping on the river.
What is your favourite number and why?
20 – my birthday and many relatives born on the 20th of different months.
What phobias do you have?
Eyeballs and anything to do with them!
What places have you lived in?
Melbourne and Tocumwal.
Where is your favourite place to eat?
A traditional fish and chip shop!
Where would you like to go on a dream vacation?
Around Australia with my children.
You’re happiest when?
I’m with my family.
What are your hopes for our industry?
To provide an exceptional level of care that is devoted to being client-focused.
