Telehealth can be a lifeline, according to Patricia Gauci, a Team Leader in Aspen Medical’s Virtual Health division, which supports the National Coronavirus Helpline.

‘During a routine call, one of our operators noted troubling symptoms in someone isolating at home with COVID. Rushed to hospital, the patient had immediate treatment for a brain haemorrhage, which was unrelated to COVID. The family later called to thank us for saving her life,’ says Patricia.

Up to 30 people per hour work for Aspen Medical throughout Australia, answering calls from the public about COVID. As Team Leader, Patricia’s job is to offer clinical advice as needed and ensure individuals receive appropriate care, from vaccinations to medical treatment.

She also works as associate lecturer at Western Sydney University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery and, casually, in a hospital emergency department.

Nursing experience is required to work in most Virtual Health roles. However, ‘It doesn’t matter whether it’s in paediatric nursing, aged care or any other area,’ says Patricia. ‘We’ll teach you how to do a health assessment over the phone, recognise when a patient is deteriorating, and when to escalate care.’

As for IT skills, you can train on the job. ‘I had next to none,’ admits Patricia, ‘and now my improved IT skills help in every part of my life, from uni to study and working in ED.’

Another bonus of working in Telehealth, says Patricia, is the ability to manage work around your life, rather than vice versa. ‘I can schedule my weekly roster so as to see my two teenage daughters off to school in the morning, be there when they return, and fit my runs and gym classes around my work day. The flexibility, in the minimum weekly hours requirement, is marvellous.’

Working from home, Patricia also avoids frustrating traffic jams and the long commute. ‘I now use those extra two hours on study for my PhD.’

And no one is isolated in managing a patient. ‘We encourage our workers to call and have a chat, just as you’d talk through a case when making a clinical decision on a hospital ward.’ Teams Chat is also available, with employees posting social pictures and comments. ‘We get to know one another and have build up a great camaraderie.’

Interested in a job like this?

According to Patricia:

Working in Virtual Health, you will :

  • develop better listening and communication skills
  • have flexibility in your work time, working from home
  • improve your IT skills
  • eliminate lengthy daily travel, and instead use that time for anything from family time to gym classes or study
  • save money on petrol or public transport.

For more information about joining Aspen Medical's Virtual Health team, email our Recruitment team.

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