Aged care nurse Esther Arulogun is celebrating five decades of nursing, with the last four of them spent caring for seniors in Ipswich, Queensland at Carinity Colthup Manor.
Ms Arulogun said that “time has gone so quick,” but added it is “most meaningful” to support the elderly in her role as a nightshift registered nurse.
“We have a good team that works together and understands each other. I enjoy making friends, the staff are very friendly and they appreciate me. They are like family,” she said.
“I have been thinking that I can stop working any time if I’m tired. But I’m not tired; I just keep going and going.”
Originally from Hong Kong, Ms Arulogun was inspired to pursue nursing by her experience of being hospitalised several times as a child. She then moved to London on a scholarship to pursue post-graduate study.
After 15 years working abroad, Ms Arulogun moved to Queensland, where she worked at the Wesley Hospital and Ipswich General Hospital and finally Carinity Colthup Manor.
Carinity Colthup Manor held a celebratory morning tea, with Carinity chief executive officer Kevin Griffiths and executive manager of residential aged care Heidi Wiebe presenting certificates to long-serving employees.
Ms Arulogun was also presented a Lifetime of Achievement Award by former peak body Aged and Community Services Australia in 2018 – in recognition of her long-term dedication to caring for seniors and contribution to the betterment of the aged care sector.
Ms Wiebe said Ms Arulogun has been a wonderful blessing for Carinity and for the residents who have lived at Colthup Manor over the past 40 years, applauding her selflessness and her enduring passion for supporting seniors.
“She has positively touched the lives of thousands of older people entrusted into her care, as well as supporting, inspiring and guiding hundreds of fellow aged care nurses and staff members,” Ms Wiebe said.
“It’s rare to find someone who has remained working in aged care with so much passion and enthusiasm for so long.”
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