Bec Buxton, Team Leader and Assistant in Nursing (AIN), Calvary Cessnock Retirement Community, Cessnock NSW

I’ve been working in aged care for the past 18 years since I was given the opportunity to undertake an AIN traineeship with Calvary back in May 2003.

There’s never a dull moment! It’s challenging at times, though very rewarding being able to help make a positive impact in someone’s life.

I have been inspired by many residents as they overcome daily challenges but I suppose there is one who stands out for me though.

He was a middle-aged man who found himself in aged care after a brain haemorrhage that he was not expected to recover from. Little by little his condition improved – from his speech and dexterity to his memory and mobility. Working with staff and allied health and with his sheer determination he was able to become more and more independent and was ultimately able to move out into an independent living unit.