A caring touch that makes a big difference

THE IMPORTANCE OF A NURSE… From left, Shepparton Villages Banksia Place medication endorsed enrolled nurse, Kara Farrow with resident, Norma Lebehen. Photo: Katelyn Morse.
THE IMPORTANCE OF A NURSE… From left, Shepparton Villages Banksia Place medication endorsed enrolled nurse, Kara Farrow with resident, Norma Lebehen. Photo: Katelyn Morse.
THE IMPORTANCE OF A NURSE… From left, Shepparton Villages Banksia Place medication endorsed enrolled nurse, Kara Farrow with resident, Norma Lebehen. Photo: Katelyn Morse.
THE IMPORTANCE OF A NURSE… From left, Shepparton Villages Banksia Place medication endorsed enrolled nurse, Kara Farrow with resident, Norma Lebehen. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

THE role a nurse plays is one of the most important aspects to ensuring a healthy community, whether it be at the beginning of life or that of a mature aged person.

Kara Farrow is a dedicated and caring medication endorsed enrolled nurse with Shepparton Villages at Banksia Lodge in Kialla and it is easy to see how passionate she is about her role when you sit down to talk with her.

Kara’s involvement with Shepparton Villages began when she volunteered her time at Banksia Lodge before she began her study, where once a week she would sit and talk, play scrabble and read the paper, amongst various other tasks, with the residents. In 2016 she undertook the first component of her study, which was in aged care. She then went on to carry out placements at surrounding hospitals including in Shepparton, Cobram and Kyabram, picking up valuable experience. Kara finished her Diploma of Nursing in 2017 and for the past 16 months has been team leader at Banksia Lodge.

Kara said, “Banksia Lodge is just like another family. It is very homely here and is rewarding being able to help vulnerable people.

“My role includes distributing medications, monitoring residents and carrying out observations such as checking their pulse, temperatures and tending to wounds. I also liaise with family and doctors and work with allied health services and most importantly provide emotional support.

“The best part is getting to build a relationship with the residents and helping support them through tough times. It is pleasing knowing I am helping make a difference, even if it is only small.”

Banksia Lodge resident, Norma Lebehen first met Kara when she was volunteering, and the two have formed a close and unbreakable bond.

Norma said, “I love Kara dearly. I love talking with her.

“If there were a few more Kara’s it would be a better world.”

For information on a career at Shepparton Villages, call 5832 0800.