Spotlight On IPU Nurse Kelsey Martini-Sinclair.

What was your previous job?

I previously worked on “6AT&R” in the Dunedin Public Hospital for almost 3 years. This ward is the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation ward for older people. I worked with those over the age of 65 years to regain their baseline of independence post falls, strokes, or other medical conditions that threatened this independence.

What prepared you for this role?

I’ve spent over 10 years working in older person’s health, and a big part of that involved supporting people and their whānau through the end-of-life journey.

You’ve been here a few weeks now, how have you found it? Any surprises?

Overall I love the job, I love the working environment, and all the staff have been so supportive.

One surprise, which is also the only downside I’ve found, has been how big the spiders are around the area. A fellow staff member and I had to use a disposable denture container to catch one that made its way inside while I tried to hold in my panicked screams as the lid wouldn’t close due to how big this critter was.

What appeals to you most about the role?

I enjoy being able to spend time with patients and their whānau, to build a therapeutic relationship and follow them through their stay in IPU.

What appeals to you most about working with hospice?

The same as above.

What other interests do you have?

As almost all of the IPU staff know, I spend most of my time crocheting. I’m currently six months into a crochet project for my little sister and hopefully will have that finished within the next few weeks.

Once winter passes, I’ll often be found outdoors with my mums three legged Pomeranian (Dot), or spending my non-rostered Saturday nights cheering for my partner at speedway.