METRO South Health Deadly Starts trainee Shayella Heath has taken a surprising turn in her healthcare journey, discovering a passion for aged care while working on Macleay Ward at Redland Hospital.
“I started the traineeship wanting to be a midwife, and I’m still interested in that,” Shayella said.
“But working on Macleay Ward has been incredible, and I’ve really grown to love working with the older patients.
“The connections I’ve formed with them have been so rewarding.”
Through her time on the ward, Shayella has learned one of the most valuable skills in healthcare: patience.
“It can be challenging because you never know if a patient is going to have a good day or a bad day, but it’s taught me to adapt,” she shared.
Her work on Macleay Ward has also boosted her confidence in hands-on patient care.
“When I first started in the traineeship, I wasn’t very confident with tasks like assisting patients with showers or moving them,” Shayella said. “Now I feel much more comfortable and capable in those situations.”
In addition to the personal and professional growth, the traineeship has brought financial rewards.
“It’s been rewarding to earn money while still in high school, especially with expenses like my car,” she added.
Metro South Health’s Deadly Start Program is paving the way for young trainees like Shayella to explore diverse healthcare careers.
