Feeling a little sad on the last day of a fulfilling work placement, Niamh Broder’s spirits were raised when a resident of the aged care facility made an unusual request.

‘May I give you a hug before you go?’ 

She agreed and the elderly man approached and wrapped his arms around her PPE. Says Niamh, ‘We had built up a lovely relationship over three weeks and this was a heart-warming moment.’

Niamh and her team had been deployed to replace sick staff members during a COVID outbreak at a residential aged care facility in Waterfall, in New South Wales, which housed those with dementia and complex behaviours. 

The unexpected hug reassured Niamh her time there had been worthwhile.

While her work can be challenging at times, registered nurse Niamh says it is really rewarding. ‘I do love aged care and working with elderly people because I feel this group can be forgotten. 

‘They may have lived tough lives compared to our generation and I enjoy learning from them as I’m looking after them. 

‘Dementia and Alzheimer’s are sad diseases for those affected and the families so it’s nice to bring a bit of light and positivity to them.

Originally from Galway, Ireland, Niamh trained in Scotland and specialised in recovery and anaesthetics. ‘My mum and my granny were both nurses, so I’ve always been exposed to it and wanted to follow in their footsteps.’

Before making any decisions, Niamh’s mother suggested she took a job as a carer in a local nursing home, while still at school, to see whether she liked it. ‘I’m a people person and like helping people so it was ideal.’

Niamh’s grandmother was in the same facility, a bonus. ‘I really enjoyed being able to look after her, speak with the staff, and see the good care she was getting.’

Niamh is now grateful for those memories, her grandmother passing away in April 2021 at the age of 90.

Once COVID lifted, Niamh made plans. ‘A lot of my friends are at different stages, settled down. I’m not there yet and had always wanted to visit Australia. Nursing’s good for that.’ 

Originally intending to stay for six months, she has been here for two years and now plans to stay for several more. It was an easy decision sparked by her gratifying work. 

She started in hospitals on Sydney’s northern beaches as an assistant in nursing (AIN) while she set up her registration. She was then employed by Aspen Medical through an agency.

‘Aspen Medical is really good to work for. I’m always impressed with the team’s efficiency, organising my travel and accommodation. Everything always runs very smoothly, and you don’t have to worry. You can focus on doing the job.’

In addition, Niamh enjoys working as part of a supportive team.

‘There are seven of us, including the team leader, from all over Australia. It’s great to meet new people or re-connect with others.

‘I’ve found Australians really friendly and very welcoming, especially at work.’

Yet, on her arrival, there were a few surprises in store. such as ‘how clean it was and the unreal beaches. And when you don’t live in Australia, you think it’s sunny all year round. 

‘When I landed, it rained for two weeks and proper torrential rain as well, just like Ireland. I thought, ‘why have I come here, to experience the same weather?!’

Niamh has worked in locations from Bowen in Queensland to Mollymook and Tambarumbah in New South Wales.

‘Living in Sydney, you can easily forget the other side to Australia. I enjoy going to rural areas, they remind me of Ireland a little bit.’

Outgoing and gregarious, Niamh thinks it’s really important to engage with the aged care residents. ‘Even with a busy workload, I’ll check in and chat to them, have a bit of conversation. It does make a big difference.’

Is there anything she misses about Galway?  ‘Family and friends of course. But we keep in regular contact, and I was lucky enough to have my mum and brothers visit recently. My youngest brother surprised me on my 30th birthday. I was in utter shock.’

Anything else?  ‘I miss Irish crisps, which are called chips in Australia – Hunky Dorys, Tayto – and Galaxy chocolate. 

‘The Guinness is better there definitely but I don’t miss the weather. That’s for sure.’

Interested in work with purpose whilst maintaining a work-life balance? Check out the current vacancies on our Careers page.