Working with some of the community’s most vulnerable people, Churches of Christ in Queensland Personal Care Worker and nursing student, Melinda Wood, is one of the many healthcare professionals providing critical care in Stanthorpe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Melinda is among more than 360,000 aged care staff currently supporting more than 1.2 million senior Australians access aged care services nation-wide.
In mid-2019, Melinda enrolled to study a Bachelor of Nursing with the University of Southern Queensland alongside her role at Churches of Christ in Queensland Stanthorpe Aged Care Service.
The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the healthcare industry has only heightened Melinda’s enthusiasm and commitment to becoming a registered nurse as she has seen the vital role and need for nurses across the country.
Caring is engrained in Melinda’s DNA, who shares a passion for nursing alongside her brother Andrew Myors, an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse at Stanthorpe Hospital.
“I watched my brother care for our parents full time,” Melinda said.
“Seeing him devote his life to caring for people inspired me to travel down the similar path.
“When we were hit hard financially by the ongoing drought and a Personal Care Worker position at Stanthorpe Aged Care Service opened, it was almost like destiny.
“I have learnt so much from the people in our care. Older people are quite aware of themselves and their health care needs.
“I learned to be present – to pay attention even when attending their daily routine. I learned that I had power to make a difference, with simple kindness and empathy.
“Nursing is a beautiful profession and as a carer I have the privilege of being present during some of life’s most precious moments.”
Now in her second semester of tertiary education, Ms Wood finds herself privileged to be able to continue her studies whilst applying theoretical skills in a practical environment.
“I have a great group of supportive colleagues who are always willing to answer my questions and share their knowledge to make me a better nurse and health care professional,” she said.
Melinda has a particular passion for supporting people living with dementia and would like to further her nursing career in the dementia care field.
The devoted mother of four is excited about her evolving career supporting older people, and being an inspiration to her children.
Melinda was last year’s recipient of Beryl Wiltshire Scholarship to assist her on her journey in the caring profession.
Supported by Churches of Christ in Queensland, the scholarship is designed to meet the tuition and associated costs for a person wishing to embark on a career of service within the social, welfare, human services and caring sectors.
ABOUT BERYL WILTSHIRE…
Beryl Wiltshire AM was a highly respected leader in welfare and community work in Australia especially during her long and distinguished career with Churches of Christ in Queensland.
Beryl Wiltshire had a particular talent for identifying the potential in people and quietly assisted many with funding for their education and training to get them started in their career.
This scholarship continues the tradition she established, and is offered to one person wishing to pursue a caring profession annually.
