Carolyn

Jul 06, 2021

NSW

My name is Carolyn Rheinberger and I have worked at Hunters Hill Private Hospital for just over nine years.

Describe your job without using a position title?

I have had the pleasure to work in the rehabilitation multi-disciplinary team which assists patients and their families to safely return home from hospital. Our patients are receiving rehabilitation following surgery or have experienced a fall or complex medical event requiring them to undergo rehabilitation. The rehabilitation process assists patients to return to their baseline level of function and provides them with confidence and support to manage back in their own home. In the event that the patient is unable to return home my role is to assist the patient and their family in looking at other options post discharge.

What motivates you and why?

I have been part of my profession for the last 36 years and it is a privilege to support patients and their families during the most vulnerable times in their lives. Many patients do not have family close-by and require supportive counselling and advocacy to assist them to determine the best plan for them moving forward. The level of resilience of my patients, particularly the elderly, and their wisdom inspires me daily to assist them in the best way possible.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

People have always been my focus so I am always keen to improve my counselling skills. Also, as a result of my preferred preference for people my computer skills are somewhat lacking!

What does the Year of Health and Care Workers mean to you?

I am thrilled that this year has been dedicated to the Health Care Worker as this year highlights the incredible professional skill, commitment and dedication usually undertaken in the most stressful environments. Health Care Workers happily go about their jobs providing the utmost level of care and deserve this recognition.

What would you say to inspire future generations of workers in health care?

Health Care is a most rewarding and secure career with enormous potential to continue to upskill and diversify into specialised areas. Health Care is a career for life and there is no greater reward than being present to others when they are in most need.