Aged Care Employee Day, held annually on 7 August, celebrates the thousands of dedicated workers who support older Australians in aged care, home care, and retirement living.
We had a chat with Shemy Devasia, a Registered Nurse at the Carinity Brownesholme aged care community in Highfields, about what inspired her to pursue a career supporting seniors.
How long have you worked as a nurse, and what was your first nursing role?
After I completed my Bachelor of Nursing in 2012, I started working as a Registered Nurse (RN) in India. I worked in surgical ICU. In 2018, I moved to Tamworth and there I started working as RN in an aged care. I worked there for three years. I started working at Carinity Brownesholme in July 2021. I am also very proud that I got the opportunity to welcome the first resident of Carinity Brownesholme.
What inspired you to become a nurse?
The inspiration to become a nurse came from the profound impact that care and compassion can have on people's lives. Growing up in Kerala, India I saw how nursing empowered many young women in my community, giving them the chance to be independent and make a difference worldwide. That sense of purpose resonated with me, and I knew I wanted to be part of something meaningful.
A quote from Mother Teresa deeply influenced my decision: "It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing." These words shaped my understanding of nursing, not just as a profession but as a calling to serve with empathy and dedication.
What motivates you to help others in your role with Carinity?
What keeps me going every day is a belief that I have, which is that God heals the sick and supports everyone in their time of need. Since he cannot be everywhere, he uses some tools, and I am a tool in his hands to do his work.
Even the smallest acts of kindness can make a huge difference. Whether it's easing a resident's fears, supporting families through difficult moments, or simply being a comforting presence, nursing reminds me every day why I chose this path. It is a privilege to be there for others when they need it most, and that drives me to keep learning, growing, and giving my best.
What do you enjoy most about being an aged care nurse?
What I enjoy most about being a nurse is the genuine connections I build with the residents. It's the quiet moments, the inside jokes that only the two of us understand, and the laughter over something that might seem small to others but means the world in that moment. There's something special about those shared experiences, the conversations that bring a smile, the stories from their past that reveal a whole lifetime of wisdom, and the trust that grows over time.
My heart becomes whole in nursing, not just from providing care but from truly being present with the people I look after. Knowing that, in some way, I make their day a little better, that they feel heard, valued, and cared for. This is what makes this work so rewarding. Whether it's holding a hand during a difficult time or celebrating even the smallest victories together, nursing is a profession that constantly reminds me of the power of human connection.
What would you say to someone who is considering becoming an aged care nurse?
If you're considering becoming an aged care nurse, know that it's one of the most rewarding and meaningful paths you can take. It's about more than just providing medical care, it's about being present for people in their later years, offering comfort, companionship, and dignity.
Aged care nursing comes with challenges, but the moments of connection make it all worthwhile. It's in the small things: the laughter shared over an old story, the trust built through everyday care, and the sense of purpose in knowing you're making someone's life a little brighter.
Patience, compassion, and a genuine love for working with people are key in this field. If you're someone who finds joy in forming meaningful relationships and supporting others through life's changes, aged care nursing can be incredibly fulfilling. The impact you make will last far beyond the moments spent with your residents.
