Metro South Health Deadly Starts trainee Shayella Heath has taken a surprising turn in her healthcare journey, discovering a passion for aged care while working on Macleay Ward at Redland Hospital.

"I started the traineeship wanting to be a midwife, and I’m still interested in that," Shayella said.

"But working on Macleay Ward has been incredible and I’ve really grown to love working with the older patients.

“The connections I’ve formed with them have been so rewarding."

Shayella shared that one of the key lessons she had learnt during her traineeship was patience.

"I've learned so much patience working here," she said. "It can be challenging because you never know if a patient is going to have a good day or a bad day, but it’s taught me to adapt."

She said her time on the ward had given her more confidence in hands-on patient care.

"When I first started in the traineeship, I wasn’t very confident with tasks like assisting patients with showers or moving them," she said. "Now I feel much more comfortable and capable in those situations."

The traineeship has also provided financial benefits.

"It’s been rewarding to earn money while still in high school, especially with expenses like my car," she added.

Metro South Health's Deadly Start Program continues to support young trainees like Shayella as they explore healthcare careers, inspiring a new generation to join the workforce.

Congratulations Shayella!