Rue’s inspiring leadership journey in aged care

When Rue Makore came to Varsity Views Care Community on Queensland’s Gold Coast for her first day as an Assistant in Nursing, she wasn’t sure if a career in aged care was right for her.

Five years later, Rue has no doubt: “There’s no better job. I’ve built such special bonds with our residents, and it’s hard to get that anywhere else in healthcare. Giving people the best care is a privilege. And with nursing, you never stop learning.”

Inspired by her aunt Dudzai, a registered nurse, Rue joined our Care Community, working and studying for her Certificate III in Aged Care. After completing that qualification, Rue stepped up to the challenge of becoming an Enrolled Nurse, studying at TAFE. Then, with her career blossoming, Rue undertook her Bachelor of Nursing degree at Griffith University.

Accelerating her career with the Opal HealthCare Academy

We launched our Opal HealthCare Academy in 2019 to help our team build rewarding careers in aged care, and meet the urgent national need of skilled, competent aged care workers. It’s also an important way we help develop leaders like Rue.

“I’ve taken so much from the program,” she says. “I’ve learned leadership comes with respect, with listening, and taking accountability for your actions, and for the people you’re entrusted to care for. I’m a better communicator now – I know good communicators have other people’s interests at heart, and that’s where empathy and active listening matters. And this has a positive impact on my clinical skills. As my skills have improved, I’ve taken on more responsibility.”

Rue has completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Gerontological Nursing and is now studying for her Masters in Science, specialising in Gerontology and leadership in dementia. All study has been supported by an Opal HealthCare Academy Scholarship.

A role model in our Care Community

“Rue is inspiring,” says Johny, general manager at Varsity Views Care Community. “She shows exemplary leadership skills in guiding, mentoring, building team culture, and modelling resilience. And our residents also benefit from her outstanding clinical skills, her caring personality and her love of people.”

It’s a view supported by one of our residents, who shared: “I always find Rue to be a cheerful and personable person, with a very good rapport with all residents. She’s diligent in exercising her duties and nursing knowledge and expertise.”

“I’ve seen Rue grow so much professionally and personally,” continues Johny. “She’s calm in the most challenging situations, which is a testament to her maturity, and her confidence in her skills.”

What’s next for Rue?

Rue has already achieved so many goals, but in many ways, she’s just getting started.

“I love to teach,” she says. “My parents are teachers, and I love seeing other people learn and grow. I’m always keen for knowledge, and I want to help other people, especially those who are just starting their career, to see that they can achieve great things.”

If this feedback from a fellow team member is any indication, Rue is well underway: “Rue was my buddy nurse for my first shift as an enrolled nurse and over the past year, she’s become my mentor and a nurse I look up to. She’s compassionate with our residents and team members, and I admire her dedication, work ethic and her love of learning new skills and teaching others.”

Driven by a powerful purpose, and with the backing of our team, our residents, and our Opal HealthCare Academy, we can’t wait to share the next chapters in Rue’s career story.