Meet Raelee Honey- Variety is the key to a rewarding career

Raelee Honey is an Assistant In Nursing (AIN) and started her career with Home Nursing Group almost two years ago. Raelee is a natural carer at heart which is evident through her strong, professional relationships she has built with Home Nursing Group clients.

Raelee was born in Cairns and from the age of ten, travelled around remote Australia as her father was constantly moving for work.

During her employment with Home Nursing Group Raelee was able to transfer from Tamworth to Port Macquarie and head back to her original coastal lifestyle to be closer to family.

How did you hear about Home Nursing Group?

I was studying my Certificate III in Individual Support, and the Team Leader from the Tamworth office came to Tafe to talk to the students about Home Nursing Group and the services they provide for their clients.

I was able to complete my work placement at Home Nursing Group, and at the end, I applied for a job, in which I was successful.

What were you doing before you worked at Home Nursing Group?

After working in the mining industry for over seven years, I travelled for a while before moving to my parent’s farm in Tamworth where I worked with my father breeding quarter horses and cattle. I was also labouring for a builder at the same time, renovating the old shearing shed to live.

I have had experience working in aged care before, about twenty years ago when I was living in Launceston, Tasmania. I worked at a nursing home and within their community care program for four years.

What do you love about working for Home Nursing Group?

What I love most are the clients. I love to listen to their life stories and knowing that I make a real difference to their everyday life, especially when they smile and laugh with you. They look forward to seeing you as much as you do them.

I have found Home Nursing Group to be extremely supportive. The entire team from Team Leaders, Care and Support Co-ordinators, Registered Nurses, and the On-Call team are, and continue to be a fantastic support when you’re out in the field and need help or advice.

They are only a phone call away, and I can pop into the office anytime for assistance or to just say hello and check-in with my Team Leader.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned from your role as a Care Worker?

Take the time to have a chat with your clients and get to know them. They have some great stories to share, and it’s as much a social visit as it is for the other work that you’re doing. You may be the only social interaction they have that day, and it can brighten their day.

My advice to other Care Workers is always check the clients care plans every time you’re with a client as what was relevant yesterday, may not be the next day. And when in doubt, call your Team Leader.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I love spending time with my family, and I am a DIY enthusiast and very handy with a drill, so I’m enjoying renovating my little house – slowly but surely.

I also love browsing through second-hand and antique stores. I’m always on the lookout for another wooden chest to add to my collection! I’m a keen photographer, especially of landscapes and supercell storm clouds.

I have enjoyed the sea change and loving living in Port Macquarie and truly appreciated the support Home Nursing Group has given me with this.

Why is home care an appealing career choice?

I love that every day is different from the last and you’re constantly doing something different. There is a variety of challenges in my work, and I find you get back as much as you give. I feel my work is genuinely appreciated by Home Nursing Group, the clients and their families.