A chance conversation changed Tena Jones’s life for the better.
‘I was visiting my sister in Brisbane, where she works as National Clinical Manager of Aged Care, and we were chatting about her work with Aspen Medical.
‘After 20 years in the banking industry, I thought it was time for a change.
‘So, with her encouragement, I looked at job vacancies and went from looking after people’s financial well-being to their physical well-being.’
The timing was ideal as Tena scored a job with Aspen Medical just before the bank. at which she had worked, closed. ‘They offered me work at another branch, but it was an hour’s drive away.’
Today, as a program officer at Aspen Medical, Tena is responsible for putting together deployment teams at short notice, to work in aged care facilities throughout Australia. They’re needed at times of COVID outbreaks or staff shortages.
‘The work aligns well with what I was doing previously. Plus, the banking world can change quickly, and you have to get on board at once.
‘For example, I always have a clinical team on standby, ready to go, and I check in on them daily. They’re made up of personal care assistants, enrolled and registered nurses.’
Tena’s responsibilities at Aspen Medical include sourcing individual team members, organising travel flights and accommodation and also recruiting staff.
Sometimes a bit of lateral thinking is required.
‘A team member told me that, when they were struggling for staff accommodation in a small town, she put a call out on local radio.
Someone came forward offering two bedrooms in her house.’
What’s even more surprising is that Tena works from home – across the ditch. ‘The kilometre distance is no problem.’
Based in New Zealand, some 15 kilometres outside Queenstown where Tena used to work, she says her new work location suits her perfectly. ‘I work far better from home, with no distractions.
‘And there’s no long commuting time or frustration in looking for a car park.’
Tena’s banking skills and training stand her in good stead, and she honed her working from home expertise during COVID. ‘We still had to service our clients at that time, even though the whole world had shut down.’
She says the strongest ability she brings with her from banking is one of her passions, that of building and maintaining relationships.
‘I’m still helping people, and I love Aspen Medical’s vision – a solution to every healthcare challenge - “whatever obstacle there is, we’ll find a way to help".’
‘Where other businesses may consider something too hard, Aspen Medical’s founder Glenn Keys doesn’t see obstacles but instead ways in which to get over them, round them, and past them. That inspires me and spurs me on.
‘I recently visited Fiji and was thrilled to see the improved public healthcare thanks to Aspen Medical’s management of two hospitals. That was really significant for me.’
Another job bonus for Tena is the two-hour time difference between New Zealand and Australia. ‘I have later start and finish times, from 10.30 am to 7 pm.
‘That means I can walk the dog every morning at the beautiful lake nearby and my husband and son have dinner cooked for me at the end of my workday.’
A new Aspen Medical employee – she came on board a few weeks ago – Tena also has her sister, to thank for new insights. ‘She’s passionate about being a voice for aged care, an area I hadn’t thought about much previously. Now I’m excited to be part of that voice, as the elderly can be overlooked by family and government.’
Far from feeling isolated at home, Tena now feels even more connected to her work colleagues.
‘We talk daily as a team, face-to-face on the screen. The connection works better than in an office as I have everyone in this large organisation at my fingertips. And I’ve visited staff in the Brisbane office.
‘What amazes me are the fabulous people with whom I collaborate. They, and the entire company, are so welcoming. I haven’t stopped talking about them since I arrived.’
Interested in work with purpose whilst maintaining a work-life balance? Check out the current vacancies on our Careers page.
