ELIZABETH MORSE
Clinical Manager, Mercy Place, Warrnambool, VIC
Liz Morse was nominated by a work colleague who said, “Liz is an amazing person who gives tirelessly to everyone both residents and colleagues. Always friendly, professional and an amazing mentor at 66.”
I have been nursing since 1970 which seems such a long time ago but to me it has flown. I have had a few short breaks away from nursing and when I had my children.
I have worked in Aged Care since 2002. I spent the first 10 years working in various roles. I started as a casual RN and then progressed to permanent part time progressing to full time work all within the span of 3 months. That’s how much I enjoyed it. I worked as Nurse Unit Manager in both High Care and Dementia High Care. I also worked as a Case Manager in the community and also in an educational role.
I have worked at Mercy for 3 years firstly in a Clinical Coordinator Role and for the past 14 months as Clinical Manager at Mercy Place, Warrnambool, Victoria. Our home has 120 beds and around 180 staff. I manage the clinical area of the home to ensure that the staff provide the best care possible to the residents.
The main reason I got into aged care was because of my father. When my father was palliative and eventually passed away, I was really impressed with the care and respect that was shown to him. At the time I was not working in nursing and nearly relinquished my registration but when I saw how well he was cared for my passion for nursing was reignited and I decided to apply for a casual position to see if I liked being back nursing and particularly in aged care. I absolutely loved it and have been working ever since.
The residents that I get to see and talk to every day. I have met and cared for so many amazing people. Every person has a story, all different but all amazing in their own way. I love the interactions that I have with my residents, the smiles, the hugs. I love seeing smiles on the faces of our residents with Dementia when they are interacting with you or with an activity. It warms your heart.
Some residents never have visitors and life can be lonely for them. I always try and interact with them at every opportunity. The touch of a hand, a conversation is so important.
You build up real relationships with the residents and for me that has been so satisfying. I care about them and they care about me. I have footy stoushes with two of my residents; one is 100 years old and the other in her late 80’s and a Collingwood supporter. Being an Essendon supporter we do have some great conversations. Lots of laughs to be had.
I can’t imagine not being a part of aged care. I am not afraid of getting old as I know that there are people who do love working in this area.
