Meet Coffs Harbour Team Leader Hannah Archibald
Hannah Archibald lives by Einstein’s immortal words, ‘Strive not to be a success, but rather be of value’. The Coffs Harbour local is Team Leader for the area’s Home Nursing Group branch and says the work has enriched her life.
Management of field staff, facilitation of staff meetings, induction and training for field staff, performance management and staff development; these are just some of the roles Hannah Archibald plays in her position as a Home Nursing Group (HNG) Team Leader. They’re all cogs that are crucial to the well-oiled parts of HNG’s back end, and they’re responsibilities that Hannah relishes. “We are an ageing population which means Aged Care is a growth industry. I wanted to be part of this vital service and help make a positive contribution,” she says. “I feel people are entitled to age with dignity in the way they choose. I was attracted to the home care side as I feel it is more personalised.”
Hannah started with HNG in 2018 as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN). “I was studying my Certificate III at TAFE and the Armidale Team Leader came to the class to speak about working for HNG,” she says. “I believe people are happier in their homes. HNG allows them to stay there.”
It’s the people that draw her back to her love of the industry. “As an AIN I really enjoyed the fact that every day was different and loved building a rapport with clients. It’s a unique situation when you are able to make someone’s day a little brighter and easier just by doing your job,” she says. “We provide peace of mind to families, knowing their loved ones are being cared for. Each client is treated as an individual and not just a number.”
Growing up in Guyra and Armidale, the passionate AIN says sometimes it takes a while to find the career that is right for you. “I was working part time at a small bakery while completing TAFE, but I’ve done a bit of everything. I’ve worked in schools and retail and spent six years at Costa Tomato Exchange as the second in charge of the nursery,” she says. “Everyone’s measure of success is different. Define what success means to you and work towards that.”
Hannah describes herself as relaxed and mellow, enjoying time in the ocean and being active. “Í enjoy spending time with friends and family and am lucky to have those people close to me,” she says. “I love sport and reading. If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be, be content. Don’t stress the little things. Life is short so do what makes you happy. It’s ok not to know what you are doing. Nobody really does. Everyone is just out there trying to do their best, so be kind, tell the truth and treat everyone equally.”